Hangar 13’s highly anticipated entry in the Mafia franchise, Mafia: The Old Country, finally has a confirmed global release date: August 8, 2025. Developed in Unreal Engine 5 and set in the brutal underworld of early 1900s Sicily, this origin story dives deep into the roots of organized crime, delivering what the studio calls “a gritty, grounded, brutal, and emotional” experience. With a new gameplay trailer and developer insight video revealed this week, fans of the series are in for a story-driven ride that promises to reshape the classic crime drama formula.
🎥 Watch the Official Gameplay Trailer – “Whatever It Takes”
🎬 Developer Insights – “Breaking Omertà”
🛒 Pre-order Mafia: The Old Country
A Return to Gritty Mafia Roots
Set in 1900s Sicily, Mafia: The Old Country serves as a gritty prequel to the original Mafia trilogy. Players will step into the shoes of Enzo Favara, a survivor of forced child labor with a singular goal: to rise within the ranks of the Torrisi crime family and carve out a place of power within the Cosa Nostra. This isn’t the flashy, modern-day mob life; it’s blood-stained streets, whispered vendettas, and justice delivered at the barrel of a Lupara shotgun.
Narratively, the game places a heavier emphasis on loyalty and sacrifice. As Enzo rises, players will uncover the sins of the past, the rules of Omertà, and the heavy cost of family. If Hangar 13 sticks the landing, it could be the most emotionally resonant Mafia story yet.
Classic Crime, Modern Tech
For the first time in the franchise, Mafia: The Old Country will run on Unreal Engine 5, making it the most visually stunning game in the series. From cobbled alleyways drenched in moonlight to the open countryside of rural Sicily, every frame in the trailer radiates with historical authenticity. Hangar 13’s attention to detail is evident in everything from period-accurate weapons and vehicles to the design of Sicilian manor houses, vineyards, and opera houses.
You’ll ride horses through open fields, engage in intense close-quarters combat with stilettos and knives, and wield historical firearms to eliminate rivals. This isn’t just a sandbox—it’s a historically rooted, handcrafted narrative experience.
Tight, Linear Storytelling – By Design
Mafia: The Old Country offers a more focused, linear narrative—something the developers are embracing. Nick Baynes, President of Hangar 13, said during PAX East:
“This is a focused, linear experience that combines quality storytelling, authentic era immersion, and a refined take on the familiar Mafia gameplay.”
In a market saturated with sprawling open worlds, this choice feels like a breath of fresh air. You won’t be asked to grind for XP or collect feathers on rooftops. Instead, you’re being dropped into a cinematic experience with high-stakes missions, deep character drama, and brutal gang politics.
Combat: Up Close and Unrelenting
Combat in Mafia: The Old Country blends stealth, melee, and gunplay into a tight system that feels purpose-built for the story. The emphasis on melee combat—including blade duels and stealth takedowns—sets it apart from traditional third-person shooters. Of course, there are still plenty of gunfights, with period-authentic weapons like sawed-off shotguns, revolvers, and bolt-action rifles.
Add to that the fact you’ll sometimes be escaping shootouts on horseback or vintage race cars, and it’s easy to see why the gameplay is already turning heads.
Deluxe Edition and Pre-Order Bonuses
The game will launch in two editions:
- Standard Edition ($49.99): Includes the full base game.
- Deluxe Edition ($59.99): Includes the full game plus two bonus packs (Padrino and Gatto Nero), a digital art book, and the original score.
Players who pre-order either version will also receive the Soldato Pack, which includes:
- “Soldato” Outfit
- “Scannaturi Speciale” Knife
- “Tesoro” Horse and Accessories
- “Lupara” Charm
These editions are available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
🛒 Buy on Steam
🛒 Buy on PlayStation
🌐 Official Website
Breaking Omertà – Behind the Scenes
The “Breaking Omertà” developer video dives deep into Hangar 13’s approach to world-building. Sicily is more than a backdrop; it’s a character. From cultural customs to the rise of criminal empires, the game promises a grounded, respectful, yet gripping portrayal of Mafia origins.
The development team consulted historians and Sicilian cultural consultants to ensure accuracy—not only in architecture and language but in the unspoken rules that govern Cosa Nostra society. As a result, the story carries emotional weight that aims to go beyond what the Mafia franchise has offered before.
A New Benchmark?
Mafia: The Old Country has all the makings of a standout release in 2025. With its cinematic storytelling, gorgeous visuals, and tight gameplay focus, this could very well become the definitive entry in the series. While other crime-based open-world games tend to sprawl aimlessly, Mafia: The Old Country is doubling down on narrative intensity.
For longtime fans of the Mafia series—or anyone craving a narrative-heavy, character-driven action game—this one should be high on your radar.
The old rules are back. And in Sicily, they’re written in blood.
