Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Serious Sam II, which made by the same studio, Croteam.
- Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is tagged FPS, Action, Shooter, Co-op, Gore, Multiplayer, Comedy, Online Co-Op by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 3 are from the same studio: Serious Sam II, Serious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam 4.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Serious Sam II
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Croteam; both science fiction and difficult; shares 12 player tags including FPS, Comedy and Shooter; released around the same time (2012).
Serious Sam II is a shot of adrenaline to the hearts of first-person shooter fans across the world. This is serious!
Serious Sam II at a glance Released 2012 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,188 Price $9.99 FPSComedyShooterFirst-PersonGoreFunnyClassicIndie
- 2
Serious Sam 3: BFE
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Croteam; both science fiction and difficult; shares 12 player tags including FPS, Gore and Comedy; released around the same time (2011).
Serious Sam 3: BFE is a prequel to the original indie fast action FPS and Game of the Year sensation - Serious Sam: The First Encounter!
Serious Sam 3: BFE at a glance Released 2011 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 88% positive of 28,656 Price $29.99 FPSGoreComedyOnline Co-OpAliensShooterFirst-PersonOld School
- 3
Duke Nukem Forever
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 10 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Aliens; released around the same time (2011).
The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, giant explosions and pure unadulterated fun!
Duke Nukem Forever at a glance Released 2011 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 69% positive of 11,615 Price $19.99 FPSShooterAliensComedyFirst-PersonSci-fiFunnyGore
- 4
DOOM + DOOM II
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Classic and Old School; released around the same time (2007).
Developed by id Software, and originally released in 1993 and 1994, the definitive, newly enhanced versions of DOOM + DOOM II are available as a combined product.
DOOM + DOOM II at a glance Released 2007 Studio id Software Player sentiment 97% positive of 28,979 Price $9.99 FPSClassicOld SchoolShooterGoreFirst-PersonSci-fiDifficult
- 5
Serious Sam 4
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Croteam; both difficult; shares 8 player tags including Gore, FPS and Shooter.
Serious Sam 4 reignites the classic FPS series in a high-powered prequel loaded with an explosive arsenal, intergalactic carnage, and perfectly timed one-liners.
Serious Sam 4 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Croteam Player sentiment 83% positive of 17,689 Price $39.99 GoreFPSShooterComedyFirst-PersonClassicIndieDifficult
- 6
Half-Life
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Classic and Sci-fi.
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Half-Life at a glance Released 1998 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 96% positive of 163,786 Price $9.99 FPSClassicSci-fiShooterFirst-PersonAliensGoreDifficult
- 7
Quake III Arena
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Classic and Shooter.
The greatest warriors of all time and space have been summoned to battle for the amusement of an ancient alien race. Wield a variety of guns and power-ups as you fight for glory against ruthless combatants in this fast-paced single-player and multiplayer FPS.
Quake III Arena at a glance Released 1999 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 96% positive of 4,100 Price $14.99 FPSClassicShooterFirst-PersonGoreDifficultSci-fiOld School
- 8
DOOM
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Gore and Shooter.
Now includes all three premium DLC packs (Unto the Evil, Hell Followed, and Bloodfall), maps, modes, and weapons, as well as all feature updates including Arcade Mode, Photo Mode, and the latest Update 6.66, which brings further multiplayer improvements as well as revamps multiplayer progression.
DOOM at a glance Released 2016 Studio id Software Player sentiment 96% positive of 221,344 Price $19.99 FPSGoreShooterFirst-PersonSci-fiClassicDifficultRemake
- 9
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Online Co-Op, Aliens and Sci-fi.
It's a fight for the future of the planet between the Ravagers, a merciless swarm of alien invaders, and the Earth Defense Force (EDF) in this third-person shooter.Play as four different classes in over 80 missions with a range of 800 weapons at your disposal.Co-op play supported.
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 4.1 The Shadow of New Despair at a glance Released 2016 Studio SANDLOT Player sentiment 95% positive of 10,527 Price $19.99 Online Co-OpAliensSci-fiFunnyShooterComedyDifficultGore
- 10
Deathmatch Classic
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Classic and Shooter.
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
Deathmatch Classic at a glance Released 2001 Studio Valve Player sentiment 83% positive of 3,320 Price $4.99 FPSClassicShooterFirst-PersonOld SchoolSci-fiGoreDifficult
- 11
Shadow Warrior
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including FPS, Gore and Comedy; published by the same company; released around the same time (2013).
Shadow Warrior is a bold reimagining of the classic 3D Realms’ shooter from independent developer Flying Wild Hog (Hard Reset) starring the legendary and quick-witted warrior Lo Wang.
Shadow Warrior at a glance Released 2013 Studio Flying Wild Hog Player sentiment 92% positive of 26,723 Price $29.99 FPSGoreComedyFirst-PersonShooterOld SchoolFunnyRemake
- 12
Sanctum
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Indie and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2011).
You think Tower Defense games are all about building? You thought wrong. Sanctum is not your average Tower Defense title. When the havoc starts, you get to join the fray! As one of the world’s first First Person Shooter - Tower Defense games, Sanctum has taken the best of both worlds to deliver an epic, one-of-a-kind experience.
Sanctum at a glance Released 2011 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 3,359 Price $1.99 FPSIndieSci-fiFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpShooterDifficult
- 13
Black Mesa
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 9 player tags including FPS, Remake and Sci-fi.
Relive Half-Life.
Black Mesa at a glance Released 2020 Studio Crowbar Collective Player sentiment 95% positive of 144,554 Price $19.99 FPSRemakeSci-fiFirst-PersonShooterClassicAliensIndie
- 14
Sanctum 2
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Sci-fi and Indie; released around the same time (2013).
Sanctum 2 is the sequel to the world’s first Tower Defense/FPS hybrid game. Pick from four unique character classes and embark on a mission to protect the oxygen-producing Cores from hordes of deadly aliens who are threatened by their existence.
Sanctum 2 at a glance Released 2013 Studio Coffee Stain Studios Player sentiment 90% positive of 14,389 Price $14.99 FPSSci-fiIndieOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonShooterAliensFunny
- 15
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Online Co-Op, Aliens and Shooter.
Stand and fight for humanity. This arcade shooter takes place in the year 2022, as the Earth Defense Force fends off an all-out attack by unknown life forms. Become an EDF soldier, battle against endless hordes of immense enemies, and restore peace to the earth.
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 at a glance Released 2019 Studio SANDLOT Player sentiment 94% positive of 11,522 Price $59.99 Online Co-OpAliensShooterSci-fiFunnyDifficultGore
- 16
Alien: Isolation
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Sci-fi, Aliens and First-Person.
Discover the true meaning of fear in Alien: Isolation, a survival horror set in an atmosphere of constant dread and mortal danger.
Alien: Isolation at a glance Released 2014 Studio Creative Assembly Player sentiment 93% positive of 66,658 Price $11.99 Sci-fiAliensFirst-PersonDifficultFPSGoreShooter
- 17
Borderlands
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person; released around the same time (2009).
Discover the original co-op shooter-looter, crammed with new enhancements! As one of 4 trigger-happy mercenaries with RPG progression, equip bazillions of guns to take on the desert planet Pandora.
Borderlands at a glance Released 2009 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 81% positive of 27,781 Price $29.99 FPSShooterFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpComedyGoreSci-fiFunny
- 18
SCP: Secret Laboratory
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including First-Person, Shooter and Online Co-Op.
Deep within a secure underground facility, a sudden containment breach allows many of the secured anomalies to escape from their chambers. Assist the Foundation in re-securing the facility, help the Insurgency in their goal to capture it, or wreak havoc as an SCP in a frantic bid to escape.
SCP: Secret Laboratory at a glance Released 2017 Studio Northwood Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 234,020 Price Free First-PersonShooterOnline Co-OpFPSSci-fiDifficultIndie
- 19
Quake Champions
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Gore and Shooter.
Step into the Arena. Compete against players from around the world in this fast-paced shooter that combines the dark mythos of the original Quake with the skill-based competition of Quake III Arena. Become a Champion.
Quake Champions at a glance Released 2022 Studio id Software Player sentiment 74% positive of 39,005 Price Free FPSGoreShooterFirst-PersonDifficultClassicSci-fi
- 20
Metro: Last Light
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including FPS, First-Person and Shooter; released around the same time (2013).
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.
Metro: Last Light at a glance Released 2013 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 81,499 Price $19.99 FPSFirst-PersonShooterRemakeSci-fiDifficult
- 21
Tribes: Ascend
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 6 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Sci-fi; released around the same time (2012).
This edition packages weapon DLC from ten previous expansions as well new featured content.
Tribes: Ascend at a glance Released 2012 Studio Hi-Rez Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 8,582 Price Not listed FPSShooterSci-fiFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpDifficult
- 22
Borderlands Game of the Year
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and Online Co-Op.
Get ready for the mind blowing insanity! Play as one of four trigger-happy mercenaries and take out everything that stands in your way! With its addictive action, frantic first-person shooter combat, massive arsenal of weaponry, RPG elements and four-player co-op, Borderlands is a breakthrough experience that challenges all the...
Borderlands Game of the Year at a glance Released 2023 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 90% positive of 31,877 Price $29.99 FPSShooterOnline Co-OpFirst-PersonComedySci-fiFunnyGore
- 23
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including Gore, FPS and First-Person.
Step into the boots of Grayson Hunt after a crash landing on an old resort planet forces him to make a hard choice: survival or revenge. Execute masterful kills with Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition’s unique combat system that rewards you for performing the most creative and deadly kills imaginable.
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition at a glance Released 2017 Studio People Can Fly Player sentiment 89% positive of 9,652 Price $39.99 GoreFPSFirst-PersonShooterComedySci-fiFunnyRemake
- 24
Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced
Why it matched: both science fiction; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person.
Discover the original co-op shooter-looter, crammed with new enhancements! As one of 4 trigger-happy mercenaries with RPG progression, equip bazillions of guns to take on the desert planet Pandora.
Borderlands Game of the Year Enhanced at a glance Released 2023 Studio Gearbox Software Player sentiment 81% positive of 27,784 Price $29.99 FPSShooterFirst-PersonOnline Co-OpComedyGoreSci-fiFunny
Common questions
What game is most like Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter?
Serious Sam II, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Croteam. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter do?
Serious Sam II, Serious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam 4 are also from Croteam, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.