Serious Sam: The First Encounter
Serious Sam: The First Encounter is a 2001 first-person shooter developed by the Croatian studio Croteam, a joyfully over-the-top throwback to the frantic action of early shooters. Players battle through ancient Egyptian temples and ruins as wisecracking hero Sam Stone against overwhelming waves of alien enemies from Mental's horde.
The game embraced pure chaos, pitting the player against enormous swarms of memorable foes, such as the screaming headless kamikaze bombers who charge relentlessly, across vast open arenas that demanded constant movement, strafing, and clever use of a powerful arsenal that ranged from a minigun to a cannon. Built on Croteam's own Serious Engine, which rendered huge numbers of enemies at once, its tongue-in-cheek humour and relentless, unpretentious action made it an instant favourite, helped along by a low budget price.
Serious Sam launched a long-running and beloved series that has stayed true to its chaotic roots. The original remains available on digital storefronts, often bundled in an enhanced HD form, still delivering its trademark mayhem.
Where can you play Serious Sam: The First Encounter today?
Device by device, which of the 3 alternatives below you can play on it.
- PC
- DUSK (€ 19,50), Serious Sam 4 (€ 39,99) and HROT (€ 16,79).
- Mac
- None of the alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter runs on Mac.
- Linux
- None of the alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter runs on Linux.
- iPhone
- None of the alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter runs on iPhone.
- iPad
- None of the alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter runs on iPad.
- Android phone
- None of the alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter runs on Android phone.
- Android tablet
- None of the alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter runs on Android tablet.
- PlayStation
- DUSK (€ 19,50) and Serious Sam 4 (€ 39,99).
- Xbox
- Serious Sam 4 (€ 39,99).
- Switch
- DUSK (€ 19,50).
- Steam Deck
- DUSK (€ 19,50), Serious Sam 4 (€ 39,99) and HROT (€ 16,79).
Games like Serious Sam: The First Encounter
Modern alternatives to Serious Sam: The First Encounter, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
DUSK Indie
€ 19,50A fast indie shooter channeling classic run-and-gun action.
DUSK is also an alternative to 4 other classics
DUSK runs on PC, PlayStation, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Serious Sam 4
€ 39,99A modern entry with massive on-screen enemy counts.
Serious Sam 4 runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
HROT Indie
€ 16,79An indie retro shooter with brisk combat and dry humor.
HROT is also an alternative to 1 other classic
HROT runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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