- Serious Sam The Third Encounter best version question answered: the game is currently unreleased and listed as TBA on Steam.
- Only confirmed platform: PC via the official Steam listing (App ID 459920), developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital.
- No editions exist yet: no Deluxe, Ultimate, or collector editions have been announced, so avoid any third-party "special version" claims.
- Best move right now: add the game to your Steam wishlist and follow Croteam's official channels for release news.
- Preparation tip: play The First and Second Encounters to be ready for this direct sequel.
Current Version Status: What Actually Exists
When players search for the Serious Sam The Third Encounter best version, the honest answer is that only one version exists right now: the unreleased Steam listing. The official Steam store page shows the game as To Be Announced and in early development, with Croteam as developer and Devolver Digital as publisher.
This matters because unofficial stores and fan sites sometimes advertise "special editions" or pre-order keys for unreleased games. None of those are real for this title. The table below summarizes the verified facts versus what remains unannounced.
| Category | Confirmed Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | TBA (not announced) | Steam listing |
| Platform | PC via Steam | Steam listing |
| Developer | Croteam | Official site |
| Publisher | Devolver Digital | Steam listing |
| Player modes | Single-player, Online Co-op, Shared/Split Screen Co-op | Steam listing |
| Minimum specs (early listing) | Windows 10 64-bit, 8 GB RAM, DirectX 11 | Steam listing |
| Editions (Deluxe/Collector) | Not announced | - |
| Console versions | Not announced | - |
If a website sells a "Deluxe Edition key" or "early access version" of The Third Encounter, treat it as a scam. The game has no public pre-order program. Only the official Steam page and Croteam's website carry legitimate release information.
Why the Steam Version Is the Definitive Choice
For now, the Steam version is the only version, and it is also the safest bet going forward. Series history supports this: Serious Sam has always launched as a PC-first franchise, with the Steam ecosystem providing achievements, cloud saves, Steam Workshop support in past entries, and the active Steam Community Hub for discussions.
Steam (PC)
- Confirmed platform
- Community hub and discussions live
- Wishlist and release notifications available
- Full language support expected
Console (Unconfirmed)
- No PlayStation or Xbox listing exists
- Prior games arrived on consoles later
- Treat any console claim as rumor
Third-Party Stores
- No authorized keys announced
- Fake "best version" offers are common for TBA games
- Stick to official channels only
Adding the game to your Steam wishlist ensures you receive a notification the moment the release date is confirmed, plus visibility into any launch discount Croteam and Devolver Digital may offer.
Prepare with the Best Versions of Earlier Encounters
While The Third Encounter is in development, the smartest play is experiencing the story it directly continues. Steam officially confirms this game picks up where The Second Encounter left off — it is a direct sequel, not a prequel or spin-off.
| Earlier Game | Best Version to Play | Why It Matters for The Third Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| The First Encounter | Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter (Steam) | Introduces Sam Stone, Mental, and the Sirian storyline |
| The Second Encounter | Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter (Steam) | Direct narrative predecessor; The Third Encounter continues from here |
| Serious Sam 3: BFE | Serious Sam 3: BFE (Steam) | Modern Croteam combat design reference point |
| Serious Sam 4 | Serious Sam 4 (Steam) | Most recent mainline entry, useful for tone and pacing |
The Steam description confirms The Third Encounter explores new alien worlds and continues the fight against Mental's forces. Finishing The Second Encounter first gives you the proper story context before diving in.
Step-by-Step: Getting Ready for Launch
Follow this preparation path so you are ready the day the best version — the official release — goes live.
Wishlist on Steam
Open the official Steam page for The Third Encounter and add it to your wishlist. This is currently the only legitimate way to track the release.
Verify Your PC Readiness
The early listing points to Windows 10 64-bit, 8 GB RAM, and DirectX 11 as a baseline. Final requirements may change, so recheck before launch.
Play The Second Encounter
Complete the HD remaster so the story, weapons, and enemy roster carry over naturally into The Third Encounter.
Join the Community
Follow the Steam Community Hub and r/SeriousSam for announcements, co-op partners, and verified news.
Plan Your Co-op Squad
The game supports online and split-screen co-op. Recruit teammates early so you can coordinate difficulty and roles on day one.
Players who complete The Second Encounter and form a co-op group ahead of release consistently adapt faster to Serious Sam's run-and-gun pace, large arena waves, and ammunition discipline.
Pre-Launch Checklist
Complete Before Release Day:
- Wishlist The Third Encounter on Steam
- Finish Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter
- Confirm PC meets Windows 10 64-bit / 8 GB RAM baseline
- Join the Steam Community Hub and r/SeriousSam
- Recruit at least one co-op partner
FAQ
Q: Which is the best version of Serious Sam The Third Encounter?
The Steam PC version is currently the only confirmed version. The game is in early development with a TBA release date, so no editions or platform alternatives exist yet.
Q: Is Serious Sam The Third Encounter out yet?
No. As of October 2026, the official Steam listing shows the release date as To Be Announced. Croteam and Devolver Digital have not confirmed a launch window.
Q: Will there be a console or special edition?
Nothing has been announced. Any site claiming a Deluxe, Ultimate, or console version for this game is not backed by official information.
Q: Do I need to play earlier Serious Sam games first?
It is strongly recommended. The Third Encounter directly continues The Second Encounter's story, so playing the HD remasters provides essential context for Sam's fight against Mental.