Hangar 13 Announces “Free Ride” Mode for “Mafia: The Old Country” in Free Update

In a significant move to enhance the long-term replayability of their latest title, Mafia: The Old Country, developer Hangar 13 has officially confirmed that a “proper open world mode” is on its way. The new mode, titled “Free Ride,” will be a free update for all players and is expected to launch “in the coming months.” This announcement comes as a direct response to player feedback that, while the game’s linear, narrative-driven experience was highly praised, the open world of 1900s Sicily felt underutilized.

Mafia: The Old Country was designed as a return to the more focused, cinematic storytelling of the first two games in the series, moving away from the sprawling, open-world structure of Mafia 3. While the game’s linear missions provided a tight, compelling narrative, the beautiful and meticulously crafted world of early 20th-century Sicily felt largely like a backdrop. Players noted that the game’s existing “Explore” mode was little more than an opportunity to collect hidden items, with few activities to truly engage with the environment.

What to Expect from “Free Ride” Mode

While Hangar 13 has not yet provided a specific release date or detailed what the new mode will entail, they have promised that it will “add some new activities and gameplay.” Based on the beloved “Free Ride” modes from previous Mafia titles, we can speculate on what this update might include:

• New Side Missions: The original Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven and its Definitive Edition remake featured a “Free Ride Extreme” mode with bizarre, over-the-top challenges, including racing a flying car or rescuing citizens from alien invasions. While a flying car may be a stretch for 1900s Sicily, the update could feature new side missions, races, and challenges that lean into the more playful side of the franchise.
• Expanded Exploration: The update will likely add more life to the streets of Sicily, with more NPCs, vehicles, and activities to discover. This would give players a reason to revisit the world and appreciate its stunning period detail without the constraints of a story mission.
• Vehicular Activities: The Mafia series has always been known for its period-authentic vehicles. “Free Ride” could introduce a variety of new races, time trials, and other driving challenges, allowing players to truly test the limits of their turn-of-the-century automobiles.

The announcement is a welcome piece of news for a game that has received largely positive reviews for its narrative and atmosphere but has been criticized for its lack of open-world content. It shows that Hangar 13 is listening to its community and is dedicated to supporting the game for the long haul.

For many fans, this update is a sign that Mafia: The Old Country will continue to grow and evolve. The new “Free Ride” mode will not only offer a new way to play but will also encourage new players to experience the rich, cinematic story that has made the franchise a cult classic. As Hangar 13 prepares to share more details, all eyes will be on this free update, which could be the key to turning a great game into a truly timeless one.