Mafia The Old Country: 7 Mistakes to Avoid Early Game

Sammy Schnor

• 4 min read
Mafia The Old Country Sicily 1904 gameplay screenshot showing early game combat

Stepping into the unforgiving streets of 1904 Sicily in Mafia: The Old Country can be brutal for newcomers. This prequel to the beloved franchise launched on August 8, 2025, bringing players back to the origins of organized crime. While the game's immersive storytelling and authentic period setting have captivated players, many are struggling with the challenging early game mechanics that can make or break your experience.

After spending 20+ hours mastering the streets and analyzing community feedback, I've identified the 7 most critical mistakes that are causing players to restart their campaigns. Whether you're a series veteran or new to the famiglia, avoiding these pitfalls will ensure you survive your first steps into becoming a true Mafioso.

Quick Summary - 7 Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Ignoring the cover system in combat
  • Wasting money on unnecessary weapons early
  • Playing missions guns-blazing instead of using stealth
  • Choosing wrong difficulty without understanding consequences
  • Neglecting melee combat skills
  • Missing crucial early game collectibles
  • Skipping optional conversations that unlock rewards

Mistake #1: Ignoring the Cover System in Combat

The biggest rookie error in Mafia: The Old Country is treating combat like a modern shooter. In 1904 Sicily, firearms are less accurate, reload times are punishing, and enemies hit hard. Running into the open will get you killed faster than you can say "vendetta."

The Solution:

  • Always scout areas for cover points before engaging
  • Use the snap-to-cover system (hold X/Square near walls)
  • Peek and shoot rather than exposing yourself fully
  • Move between cover points during enemy reloads

Mistake #2: Wasting Money on Unnecessary Weapons Early

That shiny new shotgun in the shop window might look tempting, but blowing your early game cash on weapons is a trap. Money is scarce in the first few chapters, and you'll need it for more important purchases.

Smart Money Management:

  • Stick with mission-provided weapons until Chapter 4
  • Save money for health items and ammunition
  • First weapon purchase should be the Colt M1911 (unlocks Chapter 5)
  • Loot enemies for free weapons and ammo

Mistake #3: Playing Missions Guns-Blazing Instead of Using Stealth

Mafia: The Old Country rewards patience and planning over aggression. Many early missions can be completed without firing a single shot, saving ammunition and avoiding reinforcements that make missions exponentially harder.

Stealth Approach Tips:

  • Study patrol patterns before acting
  • Use whistling (R1/RB) to lure enemies away
  • Silent takedowns preserve ammunition
  • Hide bodies to prevent alerts
  • Night missions offer better stealth opportunities

Mistake #4: Choosing Wrong Difficulty Without Understanding Consequences

Unlike many games, Mafia: The Old Country's difficulty settings dramatically change the gameplay experience. Choosing "Hard" for the challenge can lock you into a frustrating experience that can't be changed mid-playthrough.

Difficulty Breakdown:

  • Easy: Generous auto-aim, health regeneration, forgiving AI
  • Medium (Recommended): Balanced experience, limited health regen
  • Hard: No health regen, aggressive AI, limited saves, realistic damage

Pro tip: Start on Medium for your first playthrough. You can always replay on Hard once you understand the mechanics.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Melee Combat Skills

Ammunition is precious in 1904 Sicily, and you'll often find yourself in close-quarters situations. Players who ignore the melee combat system struggle unnecessarily when bullets run low.

Melee Combat Essentials:

  • Learn the counter system (L1/LB when enemy attacks)
  • Heavy attacks break enemy blocks
  • Grab environmental weapons (bottles, chairs)
  • Stiletto (unlocked Chapter 3) is the best melee weapon

Mistake #6: Missing Crucial Early Game Collectibles

Some collectibles in the early chapters provide permanent stat boosts and unlock special abilities. Missing these can make later missions significantly harder.

Must-Find Early Collectibles:

  • Health Tonic (Chapter 2): Behind the church, increases max health
  • Lucky Coin (Chapter 3): In Don Calo's office, improves loot drops
  • Marksman's Ring (Chapter 4): Docks warehouse, reduces weapon sway
  • Family Photo Albums: Unlock backstory and skill points

Mistake #7: Skipping Optional Conversations That Unlock Rewards

The game doesn't explicitly tell you, but many NPCs with speech bubbles offer more than just flavor dialogue. They provide side missions, vendor discounts, and valuable intel about upcoming missions.

Conversation Benefits:

  • Old Giuseppe (Chapter 2): 20% weapon shop discount
  • Maria the Informant: Enemy patrol routes for next mission
  • Dockworkers: Hidden cache locations
  • Fellow famiglia members: Combat tips and free ammo

Pro Tips for Early Game Dominance

  • Save Often: Manual saves before missions prevent frustrating replays
  • Explore at Night: Some collectibles and side missions only appear after dark
  • Listen to Radio: News broadcasts hint at upcoming events
  • Study the Map: Memorize escape routes before starting missions
  • Upgrade Priority: Health > Stamina > Weapon Handling

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change difficulty mid-game?

A: No, difficulty is locked once you start. Choose carefully based on your experience with similar games.

Q: When do I get access to vehicles?

A: Cars become available in Chapter 6. Until then, use the fast travel system unlocked in Chapter 3.

Q: Should I complete side missions immediately?

A: Yes! Some side missions become unavailable after certain story points. Complete them as soon as they appear.

Q: Is there New Game Plus?

A: Yes, NG+ unlocks after completing the main story, carrying over upgrades and collectibles.

Final Thoughts

Mafia: The Old Country rewards patience, planning, and respect for its authentic 1904 setting. By avoiding these seven critical mistakes, you'll transform from a street thug into a respected member of La Cosa Nostra. Remember, in old Sicily, survival isn't about being the fastest gun—it's about being the smartest.

The game's deliberate pacing and strategic combat might feel different from modern action games, but embracing these mechanics leads to a far more rewarding experience. Now that you know what pitfalls to avoid, it's time to write your own story in the violent underworld of Sicily.

Looking for more Mafia: The Old Country content? Check out our performance optimization guide for the best settings on your system, or dive into our complete walkthrough for all chapters.