Mafia: The Old Country – Knife Fight & Dueling Guide
Knife combat in Mafia: The Old Country focuses on timing, precision, and reacting to your opponent’s moves. Learning how to parry, dodge, and mix up your attack patterns is the key to winning duels.
Knife Types and Their Uses
Scannaturi – Can be thrown for ranged takedowns.
Rasolu – Allows one-hit kills during active combat.
Stiletto – Highest durability, ideal for extended fights.
Choose your knife based on the fight ahead. For duels, Stilettos last longer, but Rasolu can end fights quickly if used well.
Core Knife Fighting Mechanics
Slashes and Thrusts – Your primary attacks. Use after creating an opening.
Parry – Press the parry button as the enemy strikes to block and counter. Timing is generous, but button-mashing will fail.
Strikes – Heavy attacks marked with a red indicator. These cannot be parried. Always dodge them to avoid damage and counter.
Guard Break – Use a strike to break an opponent’s block, then follow with a combo.
Winning One-on-One Duels
Stay defensive early. Let your opponent attack first.
Parry normal attacks to create safe counter windows.
Watch for red indicators and dodge strikes.
Mix up your attacks to stay unpredictable.
Use the environment if possible to avoid getting cornered.
Listening and Watching for Cues
Audio cues signal incoming attacks or special moves.
Red visual glints on an enemy’s hands mean an unparryable strike is coming.
Mid-fight feedback teaches timing—use it to adapt quickly.
Boss Fight Example: L’Ombra
Phase 1 – Aggressive attacks, easy to bait for parries.
Phase 2 – Adds more strikes. Dodge these and punish after.
Always react, don’t initiate blindly.
Final Blurb
Knife fighting in Mafia: The Old Country is about control and timing, not aggression. Learn to parry, dodge strikes, and punish openings. With the right rhythm, you can defeat even the toughest opponents without taking a hit.
FAQ
How do you parry in a knife fight?
Press the parry button just as an enemy’s normal attack lands to block and counter.
Can all attacks be parried?
No. Strikes marked with a red indicator must be dodged.
Which knife is best for duels?
The Stiletto is best for durability, but the Rasolu can end fights faster.
How do you break an enemy’s guard?
Use a strike to guard break, then follow with quick slashes or thrusts.
Do knife fights require special equipment?
Only a knife is needed, but whetstones help keep it sharp for better performance.

