- Serious Sam The Third Encounter weapons are ranked by damage, range, and ammo efficiency.
- S-Tier picks (Serious Bomb, Cannon, Devastator) dominate groups and heavy targets.
- A-Tier options like the Double Shotgun and Sniper Rifle excel at their ideal ranges.
- Ammo discipline matters more than raw damage in large horde encounters.
- New weapon details stay unconfirmed until Croteam publishes official data.
Serious Sam The Third Encounter Weapons Overview
The Serious Sam The Third Encounter weapons roster is built around the series' classic run-and-gun identity: fast movement, huge enemy waves, and rapid weapon switching. Since the game is still in early development with a TBA release date on Steam, the confirmed lineup draws from the core Serious Sam arsenal that defines the franchise, and this tier list focuses on practical combat roles rather than raw damage numbers alone.
| Tier | Weapons | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| S | Serious Bomb, Cannon, Devastator | Dense hordes, armored targets, boss fights |
| A | Double Shotgun, Sniper Rifle, Serious Cannon | Close-range bursts, long-range picks, mid-range waves |
| B | Assault Rifle, Tommy Gun, Rocket Launcher | General suppression, chokepoints, light enemies |
| C | Pistol, Knife, Sledgehammer | Ammo saving, isolated weak targets, fallbacks |
The Third Encounter has not been released yet. Weapon names, stats, and unlock methods not confirmed by Croteam or Devolver Digital should be treated as expected series staples, not final in-game data.
S-Tier Weapons: Best Overall Picks
S-Tier weapons deliver exceptional performance across multiple enemy types and encounter scales. These are the tools that can turn a losing arena fight into a clear victory.
Serious Bomb
- Emergency area damage in one burst Clears dense enemy groups instantly Ideal panic tool when surrounded Strong vs. boss-scale targets
Cannon
- Heavy precision damage per shot Deletes priority targets at range Rewards accurate timing Best vs. armored, durable enemies
Devastator
- Heavy explosive damage output Controls multiple threats at once Strong in open and enclosed arenas Co-op value when lanes are clear
| Weapon | Best Range | Solo Value | Co-op Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serious Bomb | Close to medium | Panic clear when cornered | Team-saving wave clear |
| Cannon | Medium to long | Delete priority targets | Assign one player to heavies |
| Devastator | Medium | Multi-threat control | Spread out to avoid splash |
Reserve S-Tier ammunition for dense formations and heavy units like Khnum or Scrapjack. Wasting cannonballs or bombs on scattered light enemies is the fastest way to run dry before a boss wave.
A and B-Tier Weapons: Reliable Core Arsenal
A-Tier weapons are highly effective when used at their correct range, while B-Tier options form the dependable backbone of your loadout between heavy-weapon opportunities.
A-Tier Breakdown
| Weapon | Role | Best Range | Recommended Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Shotgun | Close-range burst | Close | Kleer Skeletons, Gnaars, Werebulls |
| Sniper Rifle | Long-range precision | Long | Distant ranged enemies, weak points |
| Serious Cannon | Explosive projectiles | Medium | Grouped enemies, arena waves |
B-Tier Breakdown
| Weapon | Role | Best Range | Recommended Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Rifle | General automatic fire | Short to medium | Standard enemies, weakened heavies |
| Tommy Gun | High-rate suppression | Short to medium | Fast light targets, small groups |
| Rocket Launcher | Area crowd control | Medium | Chokepoint pushes, enemy clusters |
The Double Shotgun is one of the most ammo-efficient weapons in the game, but only at point-blank range. Falling into the habit of firing it at mid-range targets wastes shells and lets Kleers close the gap.
Weapon Selection: Step-by-Step Combat Flow
Choosing the right weapon mid-fight is a skill. Follow this decision flow during large encounters to keep damage efficient and your position safe.
Scan the Arena First
Before firing, identify the fastest melee threats (Kleers, Werebulls) and the most dangerous ranged units (Scorpions, Biomechanoids). Ranged pressure kills stationary players.
Open at Long Range
Use the Sniper Rifle or Cannon to remove distant ranged enemies before the horde reaches you. This reduces incoming damage during the messy close-range phase.
Switch to Mid-Range Control
As groups advance, transition to the Rocket Launcher, Serious Cannon, or Devastator to thin clusters before they converge on your position.
Finish With Close-Range Weapons
When chargers break through, the Double Shotgun and Tommy Gun handle rushers reliably. Keep circling sideways instead of backing into corners.
Save the Emergency Option
Hold at least one Serious Bomb or full Devastator reserve for boss phases and late waves when the arena pressure peaks.
Bind quick-switch keys for at least three weapons: one long-range, one explosive, and one close-range option. Fast switching is the single biggest skill separator in Serious Sam combat.
Solo vs. Co-op Weapon Value
The same weapon can perform very differently depending on mode. Explosive weapons require firing-lane discipline in co-op, while melee options carry real risk in both settings.
| Weapon | Solo Ranking | Co-op Ranking | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serious Bomb | Excellent | Excellent | Coordinated wave clears save whole teams |
| Rocket Launcher | Strong | Situational | Splash damage punishes clustered teammates |
| Sniper Rifle | Excellent | Strong | One dedicated long-range player frees the team |
| Sledgehammer | Risky | Limited | Best used while a teammate draws aggro |
| Pistol | Utility | Utility | Ammo-saving fallback in both modes |
Assign one player to long-range threats with the Sniper Rifle while others hold the horde with shotguns and automatics. Call out heavy targets before spending Cannon or Devastator ammunition.
Weapon Mastery Goals:
- Learn the range threshold for the Double Shotgun
- Practice switching between three weapons mid-fight
- Reserve S-Tier ammo for bosses and dense waves
- Remove ranged enemies before engaging melee hordes
- Keep one retreat lane open when using explosives
FAQ
Q: What are the best weapons in Serious Sam The Third Encounter?
Based on the classic series arsenal, the Serious Bomb, Cannon, and Devastator form the top tier. They combine high burst damage, group-clearing potential, and effectiveness against boss-scale targets, making them the strongest choices across both solo and co-op play.
Q: Is the full Serious Sam The Third Encounter weapons list confirmed?
No. The game is still in early development with a TBA release date on Steam. The weapons covered here reflect the core franchise arsenal, and any new weapons, damage values, or unlock methods will be documented once Croteam officially confirms them.
Q: Which weapon is best against Kleer Skeletons?
The Double Shotgun is the most efficient answer at close range, delivering high burst damage per shell. Keep moving in wide circles while firing, and prioritize Kleers as soon as they enter your formation before they surround you.
Q: How should I manage heavy ammunition like cannonballs?
Save heavy ammunition for priority targets such as Khnum, Scrapjack, and boss encounters. Clear standard enemies with automatic weapons and the shotgun, and call out heavy targets in co-op so the team focuses fire instead of wasting shots independently.