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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Start with Mafia: Definitive Edition if you want the series’ foundational story, Tommy Angelo and 1930s Lost Heaven. Choose Mafia III: Definitive Edition first if Lincoln Clay’s 1968 revenge story in New Bordeaux is the premise that interests you more. Neither game is presented by 2K as a prerequisite for understanding the other, so this is a preference-based choice rather than a required order.
What separates the two games
These editions tell different stories with different protagonists, decades and cities. They are connected by the Mafia setting, but 2K’s descriptions do not require you to finish one before beginning the other.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Mafia Definitive Edition - PlayStation 4 | $19.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Mafia Definitive Edition - Xbox One | $23.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Mafia Trilogy (PS4) | $33.17 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Mafia II: Definitive Edition - Steam PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518uE4aLi4L._SL160_.jpg)
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Mafia II: Definitive Edition - Steam PC [Online Game Code] | $6.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Mafia: Definitive Edition - Steam PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uL3udkhAL._SL160_.jpg)
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Mafia: Definitive Edition - Steam PC [Online Game Code] | $8.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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| Question | Mafia: Definitive Edition | Mafia III: Definitive Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Who do you play? | Tommy Angelo | Lincoln Clay |
| Where and when? | Lost Heaven in the 1930s | New Bordeaux in 1968 |
| Story focus | Tommy’s rise through the original Mafia story | Lincoln’s revenge after the betrayal and murder of his surrogate family |
| What does “Definitive Edition” represent? | A ground-up remake of the original game, with a modern presentation and new story elements | The complete Mafia III package, including the base game, three story expansions and two bonus packs |
| Best first choice for | Someone who wants the series’ beginning or a 1930s crime drama | Someone drawn to a 1968 revenge narrative and Lincoln’s character |
The table’s most important distinction is that “Definitive Edition” does not describe one uniform type of upgrade across the trilogy. 2K calls the first game a remake, while Mafia III is a re-introduction of the original game with its add-on content.
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Why Mafia: Definitive Edition is the natural starting point
It presents the original story first
Mafia: Definitive Edition follows Tommy Angelo and revisits the first Mafia story. 2K describes it as a remake built from the ground up, rather than a lightly cleaned-up release. The remake has an updated script, expanded character backstories, additional cutscenes, new gameplay sequences and other presentation changes.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note that this item is not currently eligible for Release Date Delivery, so pre-orders may not arrive on the day of release.
- Play a mob movie: Live the life of a prohibition-era gangster and Rise through the ranks of the Mafia.
- Lost heaven, il: Recreated 1930's cityscape, filled with interwar architecture, cars and culture to see, hear and interact with.
- Re-made classic: Faithfully recreated, with expanded story, gameplay and original score. This is the Mafia you remember and much more.
- Own Mafia: Definitive Edition to unlock tommy's suit and cab in both Mafia II and Mafia III Definitive editions.
That makes it the clearest entry point for a reader asking what order to play the Mafia games in: you begin with the earliest era represented by the trilogy and meet the series through Tommy’s story.
The period is 1930s Lost Heaven
2K’s current support material identifies the setting as 1930s Lost Heaven. If your interest is a period crime story shaped by that decade, this is the game whose premise matches it. The setting is not a generic backdrop; it is the reason to choose this edition over the third game when you want the series’ earlier historical atmosphere.
What the remake label does and does not promise
The remake designation tells you that the game received substantial reconstruction and new material. It does not establish that it has the same technical treatment, mission design or feel as Mafia III. The two products should be judged as different packages, not as two versions of one story.
Why Mafia III: Definitive Edition can be your first game
Lincoln Clay’s story stands on its own premise
Mafia III: Definitive Edition follows Lincoln Clay in 1968 New Bordeaux. The PlayStation Store describes the central conflict as Lincoln’s campaign of revenge after the Italian Mafia betrays and kills his surrogate family, the Black Mob.
That setup is sufficiently distinct that a newcomer can choose it first without treating Mafia: Definitive Edition as required homework. The practical test is simple: if Lincoln’s personal revenge story sounds more compelling than Tommy’s rise, begin with the third game.
The 1968 setting changes the tone of the choice
New Bordeaux in 1968 is separated from Lost Heaven’s 1930s era by several decades. Choosing Mafia III first therefore means starting with the later period represented in the series rather than following the trilogy’s historical progression.
Its “Definitive Edition” is a complete bundle
2K’s FAQ says this package includes the main game, three story DLCs and two bonus packs:
- Faster, Baby!
- Stones Unturned
- Sign of the Times
- Family Kick-Back Pack
- Judge, Jury & Executioner Weapons Pack
This is a scope difference, not a claim that one edition is better. You are buying the Mafia III campaign together with its listed add-ons, whereas the first game is the reconstructed version of the original story.
Rank #2
- Please note that this item is not currently eligible for Release Date Delivery, so pre-orders may not arrive on the day of release.
- Play a mob movie: Live the life of a prohibition-era gangster and Rise through the ranks of the Mafia.
- Lost heaven, il: Recreated 1930's cityscape, filled with interwar architecture, cars and culture to see, hear and interact with.
- Re-made classic: Faithfully recreated, with expanded story, gameplay and original score. This is the Mafia you remember and much more.
- Own Mafia: Definitive Edition to unlock tommy's suit and cab in both Mafia II and Mafia III Definitive editions.
How to decide in under a minute
Choose Mafia: Definitive Edition first when…
- You want to begin with the earliest story era in the trilogy.
- Tommy Angelo is the protagonist you would rather meet first.
- A 1930s Lost Heaven setting is more attractive than 1968 New Bordeaux.
- You want the ground-up remake of the original Mafia story.
- You expect to play the trilogy in chronological story progression.
Choose Mafia III: Definitive Edition first when…
- Lincoln Clay’s revenge against the people who destroyed his surrogate family is the stronger hook.
- You prefer the 1968 New Bordeaux setting.
- You want the third game’s campaign and its listed story expansions in one package.
- You are interested in Mafia III specifically and do not want to delay it simply to follow release-era chronology.
When neither premise wins
Use the original-story rule: begin with Mafia: Definitive Edition. That choice follows the trilogy’s era progression without implying that 2K mandates it. If you later decide to play all three, you will already have started at the beginning of the represented chronology.
What order should you play the Mafia games?
For the full trilogy, the chronological progression represented by the settings is:
- Mafia: Definitive Edition — Tommy Angelo in 1930s Lost Heaven.
- Mafia II: Definitive Edition — the middle entry in the trilogy’s sequence.
- Mafia III: Definitive Edition — Lincoln Clay in 1968 New Bordeaux.
This is a sensible narrative order, not an official prerequisite or publisher-mandated sequence. 2K describes the trilogy as three distinct eras and character stories, so a player can also start with Mafia III when that story is the better personal fit.
Chronological order versus a two-game decision
If you are deciding only between these editions, “chronological” does not mean you must postpone Mafia III. It simply identifies which game represents the earlier era. You can play Mafia III first, then return to Mafia: Definitive Edition, without turning either campaign into a required prequel. The recommendation changes only when your goal changes: follow the era sequence for a complete trilogy run, or follow your preferred protagonist for a faster first choice.
Understanding the three different “Definitive Edition” treatments
The subtitle can create the false impression that every game received the same kind of upgrade. The publisher’s own descriptions distinguish them:
| Game | Publisher’s treatment | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Mafia: Definitive Edition | Comprehensive, built-from-the-ground-up remake | The remade original campaign with updated script, expanded backstories, additional cutscenes and new gameplay sequences |
| Mafia II: Definitive Edition | HD remaster | The middle trilogy game in remastered form |
| Mafia III: Definitive Edition | Re-introduction of Mafia III | Main game, three story DLCs and two bonus packs |
Consequently, “Definitive” is a product label covering different kinds of work. Do not infer that the first and third games have identical remake or remaster status from the shared subtitle.
Why this matters at checkout
A remake and a complete bundle answer different buying questions. With Mafia: Definitive Edition, the defining reason to buy is the reconstructed version of Tommy’s campaign and its added presentation material. With Mafia III: Definitive Edition, the defining reason is that the base game and named expansions are packaged together. If a store description uses “Definitive” without explaining the contents, check the platform listing rather than assuming every game includes the same extras.
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Mafia: Definitive Edition on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
2K Support says the same 2020 game launched on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 14, 2026, with 60 FPS gameplay and technical improvements.
Rank #3
- Mafia: Trilogy, includes main games and all DLC releases
- Three Eras of Organized Crime in America
- Mafia: Definitive Edition - 1930's, Lost Heaven, IL
- Mafia II: Definitive Edition - 1940's - 50's, Empire Bay, NY
- Mafia III: Definitive Edition - 1968, New Bordeaux, LA.Pre-Purchase bonus: The Chicago outfit: exclusive vehicle, weapon and outfit
Upgrade eligibility depends on how and when you obtained the game:
- PS4 disc owners: you need a PS5 with a disc drive, and the PS4 disc must remain inserted to play the upgraded version. Regional disc compatibility applies.
- PlayStation Plus monthly-game claims: the support notice says these claims do not qualify for the PS5 upgrade.
- Xbox digital owners: the Series X|S version is provided under the conditions stated by 2K Support.
- Purchases made on or after August 14, 2026: 2K describes them as including the cross-generation edition.
Because entitlement rules can change, verify the current 2K Support notice for your exact ownership type before buying a second copy or assuming a disc will work on a particular console.
Mafia III: Definitive Edition on PS5
The official PlayStation Store listing gives Mafia III: Definitive Edition a PS5 release date of October 8, 2026. It advertises 60 FPS gameplay and technical improvements. The listing is the relevant reference for the PS5 product currently shown there; check the store page for the account, region and edition you intend to use.
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Legacy platforms
Both comparison games have legacy availability associated with PS4, Xbox One and PC releases. Exact entitlement, backward-compatibility and upgrade behavior depends on the platform storefront and ownership format, so treat the current store listing and publisher support information as authoritative for a purchase made in your region.
Do not confuse frame-rate claims with edition identity
The 60 FPS notices describe current-generation listings and technical improvements; they do not change which story, protagonist or content package you are selecting. A PS5 listing for Mafia: Definitive Edition remains Tommy’s remake, while the PS5 listing for Mafia III remains Lincoln’s complete package. Compare the narrative and included content first, then confirm the technical details for your console.
Physical copies and the trilogy collection
2K announced a physical Mafia: Trilogy edition containing Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia II: Definitive Edition and Mafia III: Definitive Edition. The cited launch material limits the physical release statement to select EMEA and Asia regions.
That regional qualification matters. Do not assume that a box is stocked worldwide, that a disc’s region will match your console account, or that a physical copy automatically carries a current-generation entitlement. Before purchasing, confirm:
- the exact platform printed on the box;
- the disc region and your console’s regional compatibility;
- whether the seller has current stock;
- whether the edition includes the upgrade or entitlement you expect;
- that the included discs contain all advertised content.
2K also stated that Mafia: Definitive Edition was available digitally and on disc. Availability and upgrade terms remain more important than the word “trilogy” on a listing.
Rank #4
- Golden-era Drama: Inspired by iconic mafia dramas, be immersed in the allure and impossible escape of life as a wise guy in the Mafia.
- Empire Bay, NY: Post-World War 2 Empire Bay, NY, a city sprawling with opportunity and where organized crime thrives on the booming industries of post-war America.
- The Complete & Remastered Favorite: For the first-time ever experience the Mafia II crime drama all in one package and presented in stunning HD detail.
- Own Mafia II: Definitive Edition to unlock Vito’s Leather Jacket and Car in both Mafia and Mafia III Definitive Editions.
When the trilogy box is the practical choice
The physical trilogy is relevant if you already intend to play all three eras and can find a compatible copy. It gives you both games in this comparison plus Mafia II: Definitive Edition, rather than forcing a separate purchase for the middle chapter. It is not automatically the best value or the easiest current-generation route: regional release limits, remaining stock, disc-drive requirements and upgrade eligibility can outweigh the convenience of one box.
Purchase pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming “Definitive” means a remake: only the first game is described as a ground-up remake; Mafia III’s subtitle identifies a complete package.
- Buying a PS4 disc for a digital-only PS5: the stated PS4-disc upgrade requires a PS5 with a disc drive and the disc inserted.
- Counting on a PlayStation Plus claim: 2K’s support notice says monthly-game claims do not qualify for the PS5 upgrade.
- Ignoring regional compatibility: physical-disc region rules can affect whether a copy works with your console and account.
- Treating an old listing as current: confirm the store’s platform, release date, included add-ons and entitlement terms at checkout.
- Expecting a story prerequisite: neither cited description says that Mafia: Definitive Edition must be completed before Mafia III.
What the official descriptions establish—and what they do not
Established by the publisher and platform listings
- The first game is a ground-up remake centered on Tommy Angelo.
- The first game’s setting is 1930s Lost Heaven.
- The third game centers on Lincoln Clay in 1968 New Bordeaux.
- The third-game package contains the main campaign, three story DLCs and two bonus packs.
- PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of Mafia: Definitive Edition launched on August 14, 2026 with 60 FPS and technical improvements.
- The PlayStation Store lists the PS5 version of Mafia III: Definitive Edition with an October 8, 2026 release date and 60 FPS technical improvements.
Not established by those descriptions
- There is no publisher-prescribed rule that one of these stories must be completed before the other.
- The sources do not provide a current gameplay-quality ranking between the two editions.
- The sources do not provide player-preference data proving that one is universally the better first game.
- The “chronological order” recommendation is an editorial way to follow the eras, not a required dependency between plots.
Keeping those limits clear prevents a buying decision from turning into an unsupported claim that one game is objectively superior.
A note on the series’ history
In its September 2020 launch announcement, 2K reported more than 18.9 million units sold-in worldwide for the Mafia crime dramas combined. That figure is dated to 2020, covers the series rather than either comparison title individually, and is not a current sales total.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →“Nearly 20 years after the Mafia series started, we now have an amazing opportunity to introduce this beloved game to a new generation of players and give longtime fans a chance to relive Tommy’s story with a stellar modern presentation, as well as new story elements and gameplay features.”
The quotation describes the remake announcement’s purpose and should be read as the executive’s attributed promotional perspective, not as an independent comparison of the two games.
Final choice
Pick Mafia: Definitive Edition first when you want Tommy Angelo, 1930s Lost Heaven and the remake of the original Mafia story. Pick Mafia III: Definitive Edition first when Lincoln Clay’s 1968 revenge campaign and its bundled add-ons are the stronger draw. Both choices are valid for a newcomer; only the full-trilogy route makes the first game the natural opening chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mafia: Definitive Edition connected to Mafia III?
They belong to the same crime-drama series, but they follow different protagonists and eras. 2K’s descriptions do not make one campaign a prerequisite for understanding the other.
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Play it first if you want the trilogy’s earliest represented era, Tommy Angelo and 1930s Lost Heaven. Starting with Mafia III is also reasonable if Lincoln Clay’s 1968 revenge story is more appealing.
Best Value
- Play a Mob Movie: Live the life of a Prohibition-era gangster and rise through the ranks of the Mafia.
- Lost Heaven, IL: Recreated 1930's cityscape, filled with interwar architecture, cars and culture to see, hear and interact with.
- Re-Made Classic: Faithfully recreated, with expanded story, gameplay and original score. This is the Mafia you remembered and much more.
- Re-Made Classic: Faithfully recreated, with expanded story, gameplay and original score. This is the Mafia you remembered and much more.
- Own Mafia: Definitive Edition to unlock Tommy’s Suit and Cab in both Mafia II and Mafia III Definitive Editions.
What is the chronological order of the Mafia trilogy?
The era-based order is Mafia: Definitive Edition, Mafia II: Definitive Edition, then Mafia III: Definitive Edition. This is a practical narrative order, not a publisher-mandated requirement.
Does Mafia III: Definitive Edition include all DLC?
2K’s FAQ lists the main game, three story expansions—Faster, Baby!, Stones Unturned and Sign of the Times—and two bonus packs: the Family Kick-Back Pack and Judge, Jury & Executioner Weapons Pack.
Is Mafia: Definitive Edition a remaster?
No. 2K describes it as a comprehensive remake built from the ground up, with an updated script, expanded backstories, additional cutscenes and new gameplay sequences.
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What platforms have current-generation versions?
2K Support says Mafia: Definitive Edition launched on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on August 14, 2026 with 60 FPS gameplay and technical improvements. The PlayStation Store lists Mafia III: Definitive Edition for PS5 on October 8, 2026 with 60 FPS and technical improvements. Confirm current regional listings before buying.
Can a PS4 disc owner upgrade Mafia: Definitive Edition on PS5?
The stated upgrade requires a PS5 with a disc drive, the PS4 disc inserted during play and compatible disc-region conditions. PlayStation Plus monthly-game claims do not qualify under the cited support notice.
Is the Mafia Trilogy physical edition available everywhere?
2K’s launch material identifies physical release in select EMEA and Asia regions. Check the exact platform, region, stock, disc compatibility and upgrade entitlement for the copy you are considering.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Choose Mafia: Definitive Edition for Tommy Angelo’s 1930s Lost Heaven origin story and a ground-up remake. Choose Mafia III: Definitive Edition for Lincoln Clay’s 1968 New Bordeaux revenge campaign with its three story expansions and two bonus packs. Start with the first game for the trilogy’s chronological path; start with the third when its premise is the one you most want to play.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
