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Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter official game artwork

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Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter Wiki

Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a visually upgraded and fully Steam supported remake version of the original high-adrenaline single-play and 16-player co-operative arcade-action FPS which was Gamespot's

Steam ↗Windows
GameWiki EditorialReviewed 5 guide topics

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About Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter

Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter revives the classic arcade FPS with high‑definition graphics and redesigned environments. Players control Sam ‘Serious’ Stone as he travels back to ancient Egypt to confront the forces of Mental and the Sirian army. The remake adds a modern visual polish while keeping the frantic, wave‑based combat that defined the original title. It also supports up to sixteen players in co‑op campaign, letting friends share the mayhem online or via split‑screen.

01 / THE GUIDE

Serious Engine 3

The game runs on Serious Engine 3, delivering high‑resolution visuals and lushly redesigned settings. This engine powers the most visually striking version of Serious Sam to date.

The engine’s rendering capabilities enhance enemy models and level details, contributing to the overall immersive experience.

  • Adjust graphics settings to balance performance and visual fidelity.
  • Use the engine’s high‑resolution mode for the best visual impact on capable hardware.

02 / THE GUIDE

Frantic Non‑Stop Action

Combat is relentless, featuring iconic foes such as the Sirian Werebull, Headless Kamikaze, and multi‑story Ugh‑Zan. All enemies have been spectacularly redesigned for the HD remake.

Players must continuously engage waves of enemies, maintaining a fast‑paced shooting rhythm throughout each level.

  • Prioritize movement to avoid being surrounded by enemy swarms.
  • Focus fire on larger enemies to reduce their threat quickly.
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter official gameplay screenshot
Publisher-provided gameplay image · Croteam

03 / THE GUIDE

Great Arsenal

A variety of weapons are available, including revolvers, miniguns, and cannons. Each weapon is designed to handle the overwhelming enemy numbers.

The arsenal encourages players to switch weapons based on the situation, ensuring they can “kill every enemy in sight.”

  • Carry a high‑damage weapon for larger foes.
  • Use rapid‑fire guns to clear smaller enemy groups efficiently.

04 / THE GUIDE

15 Levels of Bedlam

The campaign spans fifteen levels set against an expansive ancient Egyptian backdrop. Every square inch has been upgraded and reworked for visual impact.

Each level presents distinct enemy arrangements and environmental hazards, maintaining variety throughout the experience.

  • Explore each level’s layout to find optimal firing positions.
  • Watch for environmental cues that may affect enemy movement.

05 / THE GUIDE

Co‑Op Mode

The game supports cooperative play for up to sixteen players in the campaign, allowing friends to tackle the action together.

Co‑op can be accessed online or via split‑screen, and progress is stored through Steam Cloud.

  • Coordinate weapon choices with teammates to cover a range of enemy types.
  • Communicate enemy spawn patterns to improve group survivability.

WATCH THE GAME

Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter videos

Official trailers & gameplay

INSIDE THE WORLD

Screenshots & game images

5 official screenshots

IN THIS WIKI

Your reading checklist

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COMMUNITY

Player discussion

    QUICK ANSWERS

    Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter FAQ

    Can I play Serious Sam HD solo?

    Yes, the game includes a single‑player campaign that follows the same fifteen‑level structure as the co‑op mode.

    Does the game support split‑screen multiplayer?

    Both online and shared/split‑screen co‑op and PvP are supported, allowing local play with friends.

    Are my progress and settings saved online?

    Steam Cloud stores your profile, so your progress and settings are retained across devices.

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    SOURCES & CREDITS

    Official resources and further reading

    Original editorial guidance. Game imagery and trailers are provided by the publisher through Steam. Media and reference links checked 2026-10-22. Game versions, supported platforms, and balance can change; consult the linked release notes for current details.