- Serious Sam The Third Encounter vs First Encounter compares the upcoming sequel with the 2001 classic that started the series.
- Story link: The Third Encounter continues directly after The Second Encounter, closing the arc The First Encounter opened in ancient Egypt.
- Development status: The Third Encounter is still in early development with a TBA release date on Steam.
- Co-op difference: Both games support co-op, but the new title adds shared/split-screen options on Steam.
- Best approach: Play The First Encounter first to understand the Mental war before the new sequel arrives.
Two Encounters, Two Eras of Serious Sam
The question of Serious Sam The Third Encounter vs First Encounter comes down to context. The First Encounter, released in 2001, introduced Sam "Serious" Stone, the time-travel premise, and the massive horde battles that defined the run-and-gun FPS genre. The Third Encounter, developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital, is the upcoming continuation listed on Steam.
The Steam listing confirms the new game continues the adventure established by The Second Encounter, explores new alien worlds, and supports solo play, online co-op, and shared/split-screen co-op. The release date remains To Be Announced, and the project is in early development.
| Aspect | The First Encounter (2001) | The Third Encounter (Upcoming) |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Croteam | Croteam |
| Publisher | Gathering of Developers | Devolver Digital |
| Setting | Ancient Egypt | New alien worlds |
| Story role | Series opening, Egypt campaign | Continues after The Second Encounter |
| Release status | Released | TBA, early development |
| Player modes | Solo, online co-op, split-screen | Solo, online co-op, shared/split-screen |
| Platform | PC (later consoles) | PC via Steam (App ID 459920) |
Because The Third Encounter has not been released, confirmed details are limited. This guide separates verified Steam listing information from expectations based on series tradition, and avoids inventing unannounced data.
Story and Timeline: Where Each Game Fits
The First Encounter drops Sam into ancient Egypt after humanity sends him back in time to stop Mental's invasion before it reaches Earth. Sam battles through Egyptian temples and deserts, culminating in the fight against Ugh-Zan III and the discovery of the Sirian spaceship that launches the journey into The Second Encounter.
The Third Encounter picks up after the events of The Second Encounter, pushing Sam into new alien worlds as the conflict with Mental's forces continues. It is a direct sequel, not a prequel or spin-off.
The First Encounter
- Sam travels to ancient Egypt
- First contact with Mental's hordes
- Introduces Sirian lore and Ugh-Zan
- Ends with the spaceship departure
The Second Encounter (Bridge)
- Sam continues through Mesoamerica and beyond
- Expands weapons and enemy variety
- Sets up the direct lead-in to the third game
The Third Encounter
- New alien worlds confirmed on Steam
- Direct continuation of Sam's mission
- Story details pending official reveals
| Timeline Element | First Encounter | Third Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Sam's mission | Stop Mental in Egypt | Continue the fight across alien worlds |
| Key antagonist | Mental, Ugh-Zan III | Mental's forces (details TBA) |
| Lore focus | Sirian civilization on Earth | Sirian legacy beyond Earth |
| Ending hook | Spaceship to The Second Encounter | Unknown |
Playing The First Encounter before the new sequel gives you the full Sirian backstory, including why the spaceship matters and how Mental's invasion of Earth began. It is the fastest way to make the new game's opening context land.
Gameplay Comparison: Classic Run-and-Gun Then and Now
The First Encounter built its identity on speed: huge open arenas, enemies attacking from every direction, constant strafing, and quick weapon switching. Health and armor pickups were scattered across levels, and secrets rewarded exploration off the main route.
The Third Encounter is positioned around this same core identity. Based on the Steam listing and series tradition, expect fast first-person shooting, large enemy encounters, open combat spaces, and escalating arena battles rather than cover-based combat.
| Gameplay Pillar | The First Encounter | The Third Encounter (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Combat pace | Fast, constant movement | Same run-and-gun foundation |
| Enemy design | Hordes from multiple directions | Large-scale encounters confirmed |
| Level style | Open Egyptian arenas | Alien world arenas, secrets |
| Weapon switching | Fast, situational | Series-tradition quick swapping |
| Secrets | Hidden rooms and pickups | Series staple, details TBA |
Start With The First Encounter
Play the original Egypt campaign to learn the movement-first combat loop that every later Serious Sam game, including the upcoming sequel, is built around.
Master the Fundamentals
Practice strafing circles, reading spawn directions, and switching weapons by distance. These habits transfer directly to The Third Encounter.
Continue Through The Second Encounter
Complete the middle chapter so the new sequel's direct story continuation makes full sense.
Wishlist and Follow The Third Encounter
Add the game to your Steam wishlist and follow Croteam's official channels for release news, trailers, and feature announcements.
Newcomers who want the full story should begin with The First Encounter. Players who only care about the newest experience can jump straight into The Third Encounter when it launches, since each Serious Sam game teaches its own mechanics quickly.
Co-op and Multiplayer Differences
The First Encounter was famous for chaotic online co-op, letting groups of players tear through the campaign together. The Third Encounter's Steam page confirms the same DNA with modern options: single-player, online co-op, and shared/split-screen co-op.
| Feature | The First Encounter | The Third Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Single-player | Yes | Yes, confirmed |
| Online co-op | Yes | Yes, confirmed |
| Split-screen / shared screen | Local options | Shared/split-screen listed |
| Co-op player count | Up to 16 in original releases | Not yet announced |
| Cross-platform play | No | Not yet announced |
Maximum player counts, cross-platform support, and invite systems for The Third Encounter have not been announced. Treat any specific numbers circulating online as unconfirmed until Croteam or Devolver Digital publishes them.
Which One Should You Play?
Choose based on what you want from the series today.
Choose The First Encounter If You Want...
- The classic origin story and Egypt setting
- A complete, polished campaign available now
- Budget-friendly legacy pricing
- The historical Sirian lore foundation
Wait For The Third Encounter If You Want...
- New alien worlds and modern visuals
- The direct continuation of Sam's story
- Shared/split-screen co-op on current systems
- The freshest horde combat in the series
Prepare for The Third Encounter:
- Complete The First Encounter campaign
- Finish The Second Encounter for story continuity
- Wishlist The Third Encounter on Steam
- Follow Croteam's official channels for trailers
- Practice movement-first combat habits
Play The First Encounter now, then The Second Encounter, so you arrive at The Third Encounter with the full timeline in mind. The series rewards knowledge of its running jokes, recurring enemies, and Sam's one-liners.
FAQ
Q: Is Serious Sam The Third Encounter a remake of The First Encounter?
No. The Steam listing confirms it is a direct continuation of the story established in The Second Encounter, set across new alien worlds. It is not a remake, prequel, or spin-off.
Q: When does Serious Sam The Third Encounter release?
The release date is currently To Be Announced. The Steam page lists the game in early development, so expect Croteam and Devolver Digital to announce timing through official channels.
Q: Do I need to play The First Encounter before The Third Encounter?
It is not required, but it is recommended. The First Encounter establishes the Mental war, the Sirian lore, and Sam's mission, all of which the new sequel builds on after The Second Encounter.
Q: Will The Third Encounter have co-op like The First Encounter?
Yes. The Steam listing confirms single-player, online co-op, and shared/split-screen co-op. Exact player counts and cross-platform details have not been announced yet.