An armed man walks through an old village while another man with a shotgun watches, sitting on a classic car; in the background, there are people and a donkey next to a stone house covered in vegetation, and a fortress can be seen on the hill. — Mafia: The Old Country adds Free Mode with new features and more exploration | La Derecha Diario

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Mafia: The Old Country adds Free Mode with new features and more exploration

Hangar 13 has confirmed a free update with Free Ride, new activities, and more freedom for players

18/08/2025 16:50:00h

Editorial Team

Mafia: The Old Country, the game developed by Hangar 13 and released on August 8, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, will receive a highly anticipated free update in the coming months. This marks the return of Free Ride Mode, which will allow players to explore Sicily in the early twentieth century without the narrative limitations of the main campaign.

In addition to this feature, the update will include new activities and challenges that will enhance replayability. Although the full details haven't been revealed yet, the studio indicated that it aims to reward the community after the initial success of the game and maintain interest with free content.

The legacy of Free Ride Mode in the Mafia series

Free Ride Mode is one of the most valued features by fans of the series. Since its debut in Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven, this mode offered the possibility to explore environments without the restrictions of linear missions. Over time, it was refined, and in Mafia: Definitive Edition, it included more natural exploration options, such as collecting items, upgrading the arsenal, and discovering secrets.

A group of men armed with knives face off inside an old warehouse lit by natural light coming through a window.

Mafia: The Old Country adds Free Mode with new features and more exploration | La Derecha Diario

In Mafia: The Old Country, exploration so far has been limited to the chapter replay system, which was less dynamic. For this reason, the arrival of a full Free Ride Mode represents a substantial improvement that addresses one of the fans' biggest demands.

Initial reception and Hangar 13's response

The game debuted with great success, achieving remarkable numbers in its first week. The community praised the recreation of Mafia-era Sicily, the artistic direction, and the character performances, although it also pointed out that the linear mission structure felt outdated compared to other titles in the genre.

Hangar 13 took note of these criticisms and decided to announce the free addition of Free Ride Mode. The decision reinforces the idea that the studio seeks to build a relationship of trust with its players, avoiding fragmenting content with additional payments or microtransactions.

Two vintage cars race down a dirt road surrounded by vegetation and houses in the background in a rural setting.

Mafia: The Old Country adds Free Mode with new features and more exploration | La Derecha Diario

More exploration and new activities to discover

With the launch of Free Ride Mode, players will be able to move around Sicily at their own pace, discover collectibles, participate in additional activities, and refine their strategies. While this isn't an open world in the style of Mafia III, the experience will be more immersive and flexible.

In the coming weeks, Hangar 13 will reveal more details about this update, including the activities that will accompany Free Ride. The commitment to a free content policy places Mafia: The Old Country in line with other franchises that seek to extend the lifespan of their games and keep the community active without imposing extra costs.

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