Mafia III: Definitive Edition puts players into the gritty world of 1968 New Bordeaux, a city inspired by New Orleans. You play as Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran seeking revenge against the Italian mob after betrayal destroys his family. The game combines open-world exploration, narrative-driven missions, and brutal third-person combat. While the story is compelling, succeeding in Mafia III requires strategy, patience, and an understanding of how its systems interconnect. This guide breaks down the essential “how to” steps, from mastering combat to managing rackets and building your criminal empire.

1. How to Get Started in New Bordeaux

The first hours of Mafia III set the tone. You’ll be introduced to Lincoln Clay’s backstory and the betrayal that motivates his vendetta. Pay attention during tutorials because they establish the fundamentals of stealth, shooting, and driving.

Early progression should focus on exploring neighborhoods, identifying rackets, and experimenting with different playstyles. Don’t rush the main story — spend time getting a feel for how the city reacts to your actions.

1: Early-game tips

  • Always carry silencers for stealth.
  • Explore side streets for cash stashes.
  • Upgrade health and combat first before luxury perks.

2. How to Approach Stealth and Combat

Combat in Mafia III offers flexibility: you can go loud with guns blazing or sneak through enemy territory. Stealth is often the smarter approach, saving ammo and reducing reinforcements.

Crouch often, use silenced pistols, and perform melee takedowns. When forced into open combat, use cover effectively — Lincoln can’t soak bullets endlessly. Lean around corners and use throwable explosives for groups.

1: Combat essentials

  • Stealth for efficiency, combat for chaos.
  • Always carry a shotgun for close quarters.
  • Molotov cocktails are perfect for flushing enemies.

3. How to Use the Map and Explore the City

New Bordeaux is divided into districts, each controlled by rival mobsters. Understanding the map helps you plan attacks and avoid unnecessary heat.

Focus on clearing smaller rackets first before tackling bosses. Each district has collectible items — magazines, records, and posters — which reward exploration. Fast-travel isn’t present, so learning shortcut routes will save time.

List: Map strategies

  • Scout rackets before attacking.
  • Collect intel by interrogating enforcers.
  • Use boats to bypass road patrols.

4. How to Take Over Rackets and Districts

Taking control of rackets is central to Mafia III’s gameplay loop. You weaken rackets by destroying property, stealing money, or interrogating lieutenants. Once weakened enough, you can eliminate or recruit its leader.

Assign rackets to your underbosses carefully. Balancing favors between Cassandra, Vito, and Burke prevents betrayal. Each underboss unlocks unique perks, so think long-term about who gets which district.

1: Key racket tips

  • Always push damage to max for higher profits.
  • Use intel to avoid walking into ambushes.
  • Reward loyal underbosses to unlock advanced upgrades.

5. How to Manage Underbosses and the Sitdowns

One of Mafia III’s unique mechanics is managing your criminal empire. Every time you take over territory, you must decide which underboss to reward. Neglect one too often, and they may rebel.

Sitdowns become tense negotiations. Listen to each underboss’s offer — Cassandra favors weapons, Vito provides mob connections, and Burke gives vehicle benefits. Choose based on your current needs, but balance to keep them loyal.

1: Management rules

  • Rotate rewards evenly early game.
  • Specialize later once you know your preferred playstyle.
  • Always consider upgrades over short-term profits.

6. How to Upgrade Lincoln’s Abilities

Lincoln’s abilities evolve through upgrades purchased with cash or unlocked by siding with underbosses. Health and combat upgrades should take priority, followed by ammo capacity and vehicle durability.

Don’t ignore passive income perks — having steady cash flow allows you to buy weapons, call in reinforcements, or bribe the police. Visit associates regularly to unlock new perks.

List: Best upgrades to prioritize

  1. Health regeneration
  2. Ammo and explosives capacity
  3. Vehicle reinforcement
  4. Silenced weapons

7. How to Handle Police and Heat

The police in New Bordeaux don’t tolerate chaos. Shootouts in public, reckless driving, or running red lights can draw unwanted attention. Escaping police requires quick thinking and knowledge of the environment.

Stay out of sight by breaking line of vision, ducking into alleys, or switching cars. Some neighborhoods have heavier police presence, so adapt your strategy depending on where you are.

1: Police evasion tips

  • Hide in alleys until heat dies down.
  • Use boats to escape high-level pursuit.
  • Bribe cops via underboss connections to reduce tension.

8. How to Use Vehicles for Advantage

Driving in Mafia III is more than just transport — vehicles are tools. Fast muscle cars allow quick escapes, while heavy trucks can smash through roadblocks.

Learn to drift around corners for smoother escapes, and don’t forget to upgrade vehicles via Burke’s garage. Stash cars with high durability near rackets you plan to attack to ensure a fast getaway.

Vehicle checklist

  • One fast car for escapes.
  • One durable truck for combat zones.
  • Upgrade tires and armor whenever possible.

9. How to Maximize Money and Resources

Cash powers Lincoln’s empire. Robbing stores, raiding enemy cash stashes, and completing side missions are all solid income streams. Always deposit excess money with the Consigliere to avoid losing it on death.

Balance spending between upgrades and gear. A steady stock of molotovs, wiretaps, and ammo is essential for smooth missions. Side rackets like prostitution or drugs increase passive income — invest in them steadily.

List: Money management

  • Deposit often to avoid loss.
  • Spend on combat essentials before luxury items.
  • Target enemy warehouses for high-value loot.

10. How to Conquer the Endgame

By the final act, Lincoln faces choices that affect the fate of New Bordeaux. The empire you’ve built — and how loyal your underbosses are — shapes the ending.

Ensure all three underbosses are loyal before the final missions to avoid betrayals. Stockpile cash, ammo, and upgraded weapons before the last fights. Choose whether to share power or keep it for yourself — the ending reflects your decisions.

Endgame preparation

  • Max out health and ammo upgrades.
  • Keep 20+ grapples and explosives stocked.
  • Balance underboss loyalty to avoid rebellion.

Conclusion

Mafia III: Definitive Edition is more than a revenge tale; it’s a strategy-driven open-world experience. From stealth assassinations to empire management, success comes from balancing aggression with patience. By mastering combat, exploring the city smartly, managing underbosses, and preparing for the endgame, you’ll not only experience the story but truly live Lincoln Clay’s rise to power.