All Mafia Games in Order of Release🎮 Mafia Series on GG.deals

Mafia franchise – what is it about?

The Mafia franchise is a narrative-focused third-person action series developed by Illusion Softworks (now 2K Czech) and Hangar 13. Set in fictional American cities during different periods, each title follows a different protagonist rising through the ranks of organized crime. Rather than fast-paced chaos, the series leans into dramatic storytelling, historical detail, and realistic environments inspired by the golden age of mob movies.

With tightly written characters, period-authentic vehicles, and slow-burning plots, the Mafia series offers a grounded alternative to open-world crime sagas like GTA. In the first and second entry, you even have to abide by the traffic laws, making the world more realistic.

When did Mafia first release?

The original Mafia was launched in 2002, introducing players to the gritty streets of Lost Heaven during the Prohibition era. Praised for its mature narrative and immersive setting, the game quickly became a cult favorite. Over the years, the series evolved with sequels and a full remake, solidifying its reputation as a must-play.

How many Mafia games are there?

There are three main entries in the Mafia series, plus a remake of the original game and a remastered trilogy collection. We will also get a new Mafia game in 2025, set in 1900s Sicily, telling the story of the beginning of the crime syndicate.

Here’s the full list of Mafia games in order of release:

Mafia (2002)
Mafia II (2010)
Mafia III (2016)
Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020 – full remake of the original)
Mafia: The Old Country (2025)

The Mafia: Trilogy collection, released in 2020, includes all three main games with visual upgrades and minor gameplay improvements.

What is the chronological Mafia timeline?

While each entry stands alone with its own cast and era, there are connections across the games, especially between Mafia II and Mafia III. To follow the narrative progression, here is the correct Mafia timeline:

Mafia: Definitive Edition – Set in the 1930s, follows cab driver Tommy Angelo’s descent into organized crime in Lost Heaven.
Mafia II – Takes place in the 1940s and '50s, centered around war veteran Vito Scaletta in Empire Bay.
Mafia III – Set in 1968, follows Lincoln Clay in New Bordeaux as he takes on the Italian mob after betrayal.

Playing in this order lets you appreciate the recurring themes and character arcs that span decades of criminal history. The Definitive Editions offer the most polished versions of each title, with improved visuals and support for modern systems.

The best Mafia games

While all three entries have their strengths, Mafia II is often regarded as the best Mafia game for its darker tone, strong writing, and cinematic storytelling. Mafia III impressed with its bold shift in setting and themes, tackling civil rights and racial injustice, though it was more divisive due to its repetitive structure. The Mafia: Definitive Edition remake received praise for faithfully updating the original with modern gameplay while preserving its storytelling roots.

Who are the most iconic Mafia characters?

Each installment introduces a new lead and supporting cast, with some crossover between entries. All of the protagonists have unique personalities and come from different backgrounds, making every entry a distinctive experience. If we had to choose the most iconic Mafia character, it has to be Tommy Angelo, the first lead that started the whole series.

Tommy Angelo – The heart of the original game, a working man turned reluctant mobster.
Vito Scaletta – A war hero drawn into crime for survival, whose journey spans two games.
Lincoln Clay – A Vietnam vet who builds his own criminal empire in a fight for revenge and justice.
Joe Barbaro – Vito’s hot-headed best friend, central to the events of Mafia II and referenced in Mafia III.

These characters help ground the franchise in emotional, character-driven storytelling rarely seen in action games.

What’s the next Mafia game?

As of March 2025, Hangar 13 confirmed that a new entry is in development, a prequel set before the events of the first Mafia game. While details are limited, early reports suggest it will use Unreal Engine 5 and explore the early days of the Salieri crime family, likely expanding the timeline even further.

Whether it’s a full prequel saga or a new direction entirely, the next Mafia title promises to build on the strong narrative foundation that fans have come to expect. With the remake's success and ongoing interest in story-driven experiences, the future looks bright for the next Mafia game. If you want to get news about new releases, check out our page dedicated to it to get all the latest announcements.