In the co-op simulation game Barfender: CO-OP Bar Simulator (developed by Proto Division and published by Rock Paper Publisher), the mafia mechanic is triggered by an extortionist named Hussein who demands regular protection money every two days. When he arrives, players must either pay the fee to maintain peace or refuse the demand, which triggers an aggressive brawl against Hussein and his enforcers right in and around the venue.
Who Is Hussein and How Extortion Works
Hussein introduces himself as the enforcer controlling the street outside your bar. He claims ownership of the neighborhood and delivers an ultimatum: pay protection money every two days, or risk having your establishment wrecked.
When Hussein arrives during the operating shift, a dialogue prompt offers you the choice to pay or refuse. Selecting "I can't pay" or declining the fee prompts hostile dialogue—such as "Bad idea" or promises of added interest—and immediately initiates a combat encounter.
| Mafia Event Detail | In-Game Observation |
|---|---|
| Enforcer Name | Hussein |
| Demand Interval | Every 2 days |
| Initial Protection Fee | $25 |
| Escalated / Penalty Fee | $55 (includes interest/penalties after refusal) |
| Arrival Time | During evening operating hours (observed arriving around 7:00 PM or near midnight) |
| Consequence of Refusal | Physical brawl involving Hussein and additional backup |
Should You Pay or Fight?
Deciding whether to pay protection depends heavily on your current till balance, bar layout, and whether you are playing solo or in co-op.
Paying the Protection Fee
If you choose to pay, Hussein takes the cash and departs peacefully until his next visit two days later. This preserves your customer flow, prevents broken furniture, and keeps your service counter running without mid-shift interruptions. However, in the early days of running the bar, handing over $25 to $55 can wipe out entire daily profit margins when funds are needed for stock like kegs, glassware, and recipe licenses.
Refusing and Fighting
Refusing payment triggers a street fight. While defeating the mob saves your hard-earned dollars, brawls create massive operational disruptions:
- Enforcers throw stones, chairs, and loose bar items at your crew.
- Customers become distressed, panic, leave without paying, or stop placing orders.
- Thugs and opportunistic thieves may enter the office or bar counters to grab cash or merchandise.
- Knocked-over chairs, broken bottles, and debris lower room cleanliness and demand post-fight cleanup.
Combat Mechanics and Brawling Tactics
When an enforcer fight breaks out, standard brawling rules apply. Success relies on managing space and preventing the gang from entering the seating area.
Defensive Moves and Blocking
Players can block incoming strikes by holding right-click. Timed blocks prevent high damage from heavy swings, allowing you to absorb punches before counter-attacking with standard melee strikes.
Using Improvised Weapons
Fists work, but throwing environmental objects deals significant disruption:
- Empty beer bottles, trash cans, or furniture can be aimed and thrown at incoming attackers to stagger them before they close distance.
- Items like hammers or handheld equipment can be wielded during confrontations.
Door Chokepoints and Crowd Control
Because Hussein often approaches from the sidewalk outside, intercepting him near the front door or in the alley prevents collateral damage to customer tables. In multiplayer sessions, assigning one player to guard the door while others continue staging drinks helps contain the brawl to the exterior.
Body Removal and Avoiding Re-aggro
Once an attacker is knocked out, their body remains sprawled on the ground:
- Pick up unconscious bodies and carry them outside, tossing them down the street or toward the outdoor dumpster to keep the bar floor clear.
- Do not use the revive interaction on knocked-out mob enforcers. While teammates can be revived if downed, reviving hostile brawlers causes them to stand back up and resume fighting immediately.
Cleaning Up After the Attack
Surviving the encounter is only half the battle. After the mob retreats, immediate bar maintenance is required before closing out the shift:
- Pick Up Displaced Furniture: Chairs and stools knocked over during the brawl must be placed upright to restore seating capacity for incoming groups.
- Clear Broken Glass and Dirt: Debris and scuffs left on the floor reduce decoration scores and cleanliness streaks. Use the mop and trash bags to clear the mess before flipping the end-of-day switch.
- Recover the Till: If thieves or enforcers slipped past into the back office during the fight, verify that your earnings were not looted before finalizing shift totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you do not have enough money to pay Hussein?
Selecting "I can't pay" prompts Hussein to warn you about accumulated interest and initiates an immediate brawl with him and his backup. If you survive and defeat them, you bypass the payment for that night, though they will return on future shifts.
Does the protection demand increase over time?
Yes. Footage and play sessions confirm that while the first demand sits at $25, subsequent visits or visits following unpaid debts increase the sum to $55 to account for penalties and interest.
Can you revive a knocked-down teammate during a mafia fight?
Yes. Co-op players who are knocked out by enforcers can be revived by their teammates on the ground so they can rejoin the fight.
