- Mafia III Stones Unturned is the action-heavy story DLC pairing Lincoln Clay with CIA handler John Donovan.
- Story focus: a military-style conspiracy tied to Lincoln's wartime past and an international threat.
- Best play order: start it after the main campaign introduces the relevant characters and contacts.
- Key rewards: new weapons, combat encounters, and action set pieces beyond the base campaign.
- Access: included in the Season Pass and the Mafia III Definitive Edition.
Stones Unturned DLC Overview
Stones Unturned is the second major story expansion for Mafia III, shifting the tone from district takeovers toward a tighter, action-driven conspiracy thriller. John Donovan returns as the central partner, and the expansion draws directly on Lincoln Clay's Vietnam-era past to build its threat.
Unlike the racket-based structure of the base game, this DLC delivers a linear chain of story missions with heavier combat encounters and set-piece moments. It appeals most to players who enjoy direct action, military-style gunfights, and narrative material connected to Lincoln's wartime background.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expansion type | Story DLC (second of three) |
| Main partner | John Donovan, Lincoln's CIA handler |
| Tone | Military action, conspiracy thriller |
| New content | Story missions, combat encounters, weapons |
| Availability | Season Pass / Definitive Edition |
Play through enough of the main campaign that Donovan and the relevant story context are established. This gives the DLC's conspiracy plot maximum narrative weight.
How Stones Unturned Compares to the Other Expansions
Mafia III received three story expansions, each with a distinct identity. Stones Unturned sits firmly on the action end of the spectrum.
Faster, Baby!
- Driving-focused expansion
- Car chases and racing activities
- New countryside area: Sinclair Parish
- Best for vehicle enthusiasts
Stones Unturned
- Action-focused expansion
- John Donovan partnership
- Military-style combat encounters
- Tied to Lincoln's Vietnam past
Sign of the Times
- Investigation-focused expansion
- Ritual murder mystery
- Darker, atmospheric tone
- Slower investigative rhythm
| Expansion | Gameplay Focus | Tone | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faster, Baby! | Driving, chases | Energetic | Vehicle fans |
| Stones Unturned | Combat, set pieces | Military thriller | Action fans |
| Sign of the Times | Investigation, exploration | Dark, psychological | Mystery fans |
Playing the expansions in release order (Faster, Baby!, then Stones Unturned, then Sign of the Times) preserves the intended pacing, but each story stands on its own once its contact becomes available.
Step-by-Step: Starting and Playing Stones Unturned
Follow this sequence to unlock the expansion and get the most out of its missions.
Own the Right Edition
Confirm you own the Season Pass or the Mafia III Definitive Edition, which bundles the main campaign with all three story expansions and bonus packs.
Progress the Main Campaign
Advance the base story until the DLC's contact and narrative context become available through normal progression.
Upgrade Your Loadout
Invest in health, ammunition capacity, and a reliable rifle plus a close-range weapon. The DLC's encounters favor sustained firefights over stealth.
Play the Mission Chain
Work through the new story missions with Donovan, using cover, enemy marking, and support services to handle the heavily defended encounters.
Collect the New Rewards
Claim the additional weapons unlocked by the DLC and test them in the remaining campaign rackets or free-roam activities.
Several missions in this expansion throw dense enemy groups and heavy units at Lincoln. Enter with upgraded survivability rather than relying on base-level health.
Combat Tips and Loadout Advice
The DLC's military-style encounters reward preparation. These tips translate the base game's systems into the expansion's tougher fights.
- Mark enemies first: identify heavy units and alarm raisers before the first shot.
- Use cover discipline: lean out only long enough to fire, then reset.
- Keep a rifle for sightlines: rooftops and long hallways favor precision weapons.
- Carry a shotgun or SMG: interior pushes and ambushes demand close-range firepower.
- Explosives for clusters: useful against grouped enemies and equipment, but expect noise to escalate the fight.
| Weapon Class | DLC Encounter Fit | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle / Sniper | Perimeter and rooftop guards | ★★★★★ |
| Submachine Gun | Compact interior clearing | ★★★★ |
| Shotgun | Close ambushes and final pushes | ★★★★ |
| Silenced Pistol | Limited; fights escalate quickly | ★★ |
| Explosives | Clustered groups, sabotage | ★★★★ |
Call underboss support through the weapon and vehicle wheels before long mission chains. Restocking ammunition ahead of time reduces mid-fight friction.
Pre-Mission Checklist:
- Health and ammo capacity upgraded
- Rifle plus close-range weapon equipped
- Underboss support services unlocked
- A durable escape vehicle nearby
- Main campaign context for Donovan established
Access, Editions, and FAQ
The Definitive Edition consolidates the base game with all post-launch story content. Verify that your purchase includes the expansions before buying separately.
| Edition / Pack | Includes Stones Unturned? |
|---|---|
| Base game only | No |
| Season Pass | Yes |
| Definitive Edition | Yes |
| Standalone DLC purchase | Yes, where available |
Check the official 2K store page or the 2K post-launch content FAQ for the exact contents of each edition.
Q: What is Mafia III Stones Unturned about?
Stones Unturned is a story expansion that teams Lincoln Clay with John Donovan to confront an international threat connected to Lincoln's wartime past. It emphasizes direct action and military-style combat over the base game's racket takeovers.
Q: When should I play Stones Unturned?
Start it after the main campaign has introduced the relevant characters and Lincoln has a base of operations. This provides the clearest narrative context, though the DLC can also be played after finishing the main story.
Q: Is Stones Unturned included in the Definitive Edition?
Yes. The Mafia III Definitive Edition bundles the main campaign with Stones Unturned, Faster, Baby!, Sign of the Times, bonus weapon and vehicle packs, and free post-launch updates.
Q: Does Stones Unturned add new weapons?
Yes. The expansion includes additional weapons and combat set pieces that expand Lincoln's loadout options beyond the base campaign arsenal.