Mafia: Definitive Edition is a full remake of the 2002 original, not a texture pack on top of an old game. It launched on 25 September 2020 and, since 14 August 2026, also has a native version for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This guide covers what changed from the original, how Classic difficulty works, who gets the new-gen upgrade for free, which languages are voiced and what the game costs on Steam. Everything here is current as of 19 October 2026.
A remake, not a remaster: what changed
Hangar 13 rebuilt the game from the ground up in a new engine. The story is the same: Lost Heaven in 1930, cab driver Tommy Angelo and the war between the Salieri and Morello families. The missions stay faithful to the original, but they play differently. The remake has new driving, melee combat, a cover system and an expanded story, and it adds things the 2002 game never had, such as motorcycles and collectibles.
One thing veterans should know: owning the 2002 Mafia does not get you the remake for free. It’s a separate game you have to buy. The original is still sold on Steam as its own title, listed with Illusion Softworks as developer, for €9.99. If you’re wondering where the remake fits in the series and whether to play it before The Old Country, see our guide to the Mafia games order.
Classic difficulty
Classic is the remake’s hardest difficulty. According to 2K, it brings back a number of “old-school” elements from the original Mafia, so it’s aimed at players who remember how unforgiving the 2002 game was. In an interview with PCGamesN, Haden Blackman of Hangar 13 explained that Classic affects combat, the police and the race. With simulation driving and simulated police switched on, you can be fined for things like an illegal left turn or running a red light. PC Gamer’s review calls it a punishing mode.
2K hasn’t published the finer rules of Classic in Mafia: Definitive Edition (exactly how health or ammo change), so we don’t list them here. Don’t confuse it with Classic in The Old Country: that one has its own, officially documented rules, and they don’t carry over to the remake.
Free Ride
Outside the story there’s Free Ride. According to 2K, it lets you drive freely around Lost Heaven while hunting for collectibles and secrets. PC Gamer mentions collectible pulp magazine covers and a car encyclopedia where you can take vehicles for a test drive.
Voice languages
The remake is fully voiced in seven languages. Steam marks them as full audio support, and 2K’s official FAQ lists the same set.
| Voice-over | Languages |
|---|---|
| Mafia: Definitive Edition | English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Czech, Russian |
The original 2002 Mafia is still on Steam as a separate game with its own voice-over, so the two versions sit side by side in the store.
PS5 and Xbox Series X/S version
Since 14 August 2026, Mafia: Definitive Edition has a native PS5 and Xbox Series X/S version. It brings 60 FPS, faster loading and fixes. Some cutscenes are pre-rendered, though, and those still run at 30 FPS. The upgrade rules are listed by 2K Support.
- PS4 to PS5: free for owners of the PS4 version, disc or digital, bought before 14 August 2026.
- Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S: free for digital copies only.
- Purchases from 14 August 2026 already include the new version.
- PS Plus: if you claimed the game as a PS Plus monthly game on PS4, you don’t get the upgrade.
- Saves, trophies and achievements don’t transfer between versions, so you start over on the new console.
How much Mafia: Definitive Edition costs
On Steam, the base price is €39.99 (as of 19 October 2026). If you want the whole series, check the bundles first: our comparison of Trilogy and Omertà shows what each includes. Logging in with a 2K account unlocks the Black Cats Motorcycle Pack in the game. As of 19 October 2026, no Mafia game, this one included, is on Game Pass.
PC requirements and Steam Deck
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel i5-2550K / AMD FX-8120 | Intel i7-3770 / AMD FX-8350 |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| GPU | GTX 660 / HD 7870 | GTX 1080 / RX 5700 |
| Storage | 50 GB | 50 GB |
The game runs on DirectX 11. Valve rates it “Playable” on Steam Deck. On the Deck, the game can occasionally start in the wrong language. 2K’s fix is to set Disable Launcher to On under Options > Game and restart, after which the game uses your Steam language.
The 2K Launcher that used to start before the game was removed from the Mafia Definitive Editions in an update announced on 25 November 2024. Mafia II and III have their own remasters; see our guide to Mafia II and Mafia III for what’s in them.
Join our Discord if you want to argue about which Mafia to play first or find people for your next session: GamersTogether Discord.
FAQ
A remake. Hangar 13 rebuilt it from scratch in a new engine, expanded the story and added new elements such as motorcycles, melee combat and a cover system. The missions stay faithful to the 2002 original.
No. Owners of the 2002 Mafia don’t get the remake for free; it’s a separate game. The original is still sold separately on Steam.
Yes, if you own the PS4 version on disc or digitally and bought it before 14 August 2026. On Xbox, the upgrade only applies to digital Xbox One copies. Copies claimed through PS Plus as a monthly game don’t qualify, and saves don’t transfer.
English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Czech and Russian, according to Steam and 2K’s FAQ.
2K doesn’t list any cheats or a console for Mafia: Definitive Edition.
Information verified on 19 October 2026. More guides to the series are in our Mafia guides, and the latest updates are in Mafia news.