Mafia III Worth Playing After The Old Country?

Yes, Mafia III is still worth playing after Mafia: The Old Country, but for very different reasons. The Old Country is a linear, story-driven prequel set in 1900s Sicily, while Mafia III is an open-world action game set in 1968 New Bordeaux, focusing on revenge and gang warfare. If you want a tight narrative experience, The Old Country delivers; if you want a sprawling, atmospheric sandbox with a strong central performance, Mafia III remains a solid choice—especially if you can get it at a discount.

Formula

The calculator estimates your total playtime to finish Mafia III based on the hours you have already played and the percentage of the game you have completed. The formula is:

Estimated Total Playtime = Hours Played ÷ (Completion % ÷ 100)

Where:

• Hours Played (h) – the time you have already spent in the game.
• Completion % (%) – the progress shown in the game menu or your own estimate.

This assumes your pace stays constant, which is a reasonable approximation for a game like Mafia III where side activities and story missions take similar amounts of time.

Worked Example

Using the default values: you have played 20 hours and completed 70% of the game.

1. Divide completion by 100: 70 ÷ 100 = 0.7
2. Divide hours played by that: 20 ÷ 0.7 = 28.57 hours

So your estimated total playtime is about 28.6 hours. If you want to know how much time remains, subtract the hours already played: 28.6 – 20 = 8.6 hours left.

Background: Where Each Game Sits in the Series

Mafia III (2016) is the third main entry, developed by Hangar 13. It follows Lincoln Clay, a biracial orphan who returns from Vietnam and gets drawn into the criminal underworld of New Bordeaux, a fictionalized New Orleans. The game is known for its strong narrative framing—a documentary-style story told through interviews and flashbacks—and its setting during the civil rights era. The Old Country (2025) is a prequel set in 1900s Sicily, following the origins of the Salieri family. It is a more linear, story-focused game, closer to the first Mafia in tone. The two games share the franchise name but offer almost opposite gameplay structures.

How Mafia III Plays Today

Mafia III is an open-world game where you complete missions to take over districts from the Italian mob. The core loop involves racket missions (destroying property, killing enforcers, stealing cash) to reduce a district boss’s influence, then a final assassination. The combat is a mix of third-person shooting, stealth, and melee. Driving is a big part of the game, with a large map and period-appropriate cars. The story is the main draw—Lincoln’s voice actor and the writing are widely praised. However, the mission structure can feel repetitive after a few hours, as most district tasks are variations of the same few objectives. The game received several patches and a definitive edition with all DLC, so the current version is stable on modern hardware.

How to Choose Between the Two

Your choice depends on what you value in a game. Consider these factors:

• Story vs. gameplay freedom: The Old Country is a tight, cinematic story. Mafia III gives you a big map and lets you choose the order of district takeovers.
• Time commitment: The Old Country is roughly 10-15 hours. Mafia III’s main story is about 20-25 hours, and 100% completion can take 40+ hours.
• Setting: If you prefer historical Sicily and early 20th-century aesthetics, choose The Old Country. If you want 1960s American culture, music, and civil rights themes, Mafia III is unique.
• Repetition tolerance: Mafia III’s side missions are often criticized as repetitive. If that bothers you, the linear Old Country may be a better fit.
• Price: Mafia III is older and frequently on sale for very low prices. The Old Country is newer and full-priced. If budget matters, Mafia III is a low-risk purchase.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that Mafia III is a bad game because of its repetitive missions. While that criticism is fair, the story and atmosphere carry it. Another misconception is that you need to play the earlier Mafia games to understand it—you do not. Each game has a self-contained story, though they share a universe. Technical issues: the original release had bugs, but the Definitive Edition (included in most modern purchases) fixes many of them. Some players report performance issues on PC, especially with frame pacing. If you encounter stuttering, lowering shadow quality or enabling vsync often helps. On consoles, the game runs at 30 FPS on last-gen, but the Series X/PS5 versions offer 60 FPS via backward compatibility.

Comparisons: What Makes Mafia III Different

Compared to other open-world crime games, Mafia III stands out for its serious tone and historical context. Unlike GTA V, which is satirical and over-the-top, Mafia III deals with racism, corruption, and trauma. The driving physics are heavier than GTA, closer to a simulation. The shooting is functional but not as polished as Red Dead Redemption 2. The Old Country, by contrast, is more like a classic linear adventure—think Uncharted but with mafia themes. If you have just finished The Old Country and want more of the same, Mafia III will feel different. If you are open to a different kind of Mafia experience, it is worth trying.

Costs and Where to Get It

Mafia III: Definitive Edition is available on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store. It is often included in sales for under $10. The game is also part of Xbox Game Pass on console and PC (as of this writing, but check current availability). The Old Country is a full-priced release. If you are on a budget, Mafia III is an excellent value. There are no microtransactions in Mafia III—all DLCs are included in the Definitive Edition. The DLCs add new story missions, cars, and weapons, and they are worth playing, especially the one set in a haunted amusement park.

Safety and Accuracy Notes

This is a game, not a real-world simulation. The game contains violence, strong language, and depictions of racism that may be uncomfortable but are historically grounded. There is no real-world safety concern beyond the usual ESRB M rating. For the calculator above, the formula is a simple linear projection. It does not account for side content you might skip or difficulty spikes. Use it as a rough guide, not a precise timer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play Mafia III before The Old Country?

No. The Old Country is a prequel, but it is designed to be a standalone story. Playing Mafia III first might actually spoil some references, but it is not required. If you have already played The Old Country, you will recognize the Salieri family name, but that is the only connection.

Is Mafia III’s story as good as The Old Country’s?

That is subjective. Mafia III has a more ambitious and emotionally heavy story, with a strong protagonist and a unique documentary style. The Old Country is more traditional but polished. Many players find Mafia III’s story more memorable, even if the gameplay is less refined.

How long is Mafia III compared to The Old Country?

The Old Country is about 10-15 hours. Mafia III’s main story is about 20 hours, and with side content, it can stretch to 40 hours. If you want a shorter, focused experience, The Old Country wins. If you want a longer game, Mafia III gives you more for your money.

Is Mafia III still buggy in 2025?

The Definitive Edition has fixed most major bugs. Some minor issues remain, like occasional texture pop-in, but it is generally stable on modern hardware. If you play on PC, check the game’s community forums for any current driver issues.

Can I skip the repetitive missions in Mafia III?

You can, but you will miss out on district income and some story context. The game does not force you to do every side mission, but you need to complete a certain number to unlock the final mission. If you find them dull, focus on the main story missions and only do the minimum required.

Which game has better graphics?

The Old Country uses a newer engine and looks more detailed, especially in facial animation and lighting. Mafia III’s graphics are dated but still hold up, especially the art direction of 1968 New Bordeaux. If graphics are a priority, The Old Country is clearly better.

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in t | Playtime (hours) | h | 20 | 0 | 200
in c | Completion % | % | 70 | 0 | 100
out est | Estimated total playtime | h | t / (c / 100) | 1