Speedrunning Tips

Serious Sam: The First Encounter, with its linear level design and emphasis on movement, is a fantastic game for speedrunning. Mastering movement, weapon cycling, and enemy manipulation are key to shaving off precious seconds. This guide focuses on general strategies and specific level-by-level advice to get you started on your speedrunning journey.

General Speedrunning Strategies

Movement is King: Always be moving. Strafing, circle-strafing, and bunny hopping (if applicable to your version/engine) are crucial for maintaining momentum and avoiding damage. Learn the optimal paths through each area.
Weapon Cycling: Don't stick to one weapon. Learn which weapon is most efficient for each enemy type and situation. Quick-switching between weapons can maximize damage output. For example, the Shotgun is excellent for close-range clear-outs, while the Minigun excels at sustained damage against larger foes.
Enemy Manipulation: Not every enemy needs to die. Learn which enemies trigger progress or block paths, and prioritize their elimination. Many enemies can be outrun or bypassed entirely, especially in open areas.
Health Management: While speed is paramount, dying resets your progress. Learn the locations of Health Pickups and Armor. Sometimes, taking a slightly longer route to grab a crucial health pack can save more time than a risky direct approach.
Secrets: Generally, avoid secrets unless they contain a critical weapon or power-up that significantly aids your run. Most secrets are time-wasters in a speedrun context.
Mental Preparation: Practice individual levels and sections. Consistency is key. Don't get discouraged by failed attempts; learn from them.

Level-Specific Strategies

Hatshepsut

The first level is primarily a tutorial, but good habits start here.

Initial Dash: Immediately sprint forward. Grab the Revolver and Shotgun. Don't bother with the Pistol unless you're completely out of ammo for everything else.
First Encounter: Quickly dispatch the Gnaar and Kleer Skeletons with the Shotgun. Keep moving towards the temple entrance.
Temple Interior: Navigate the corridors efficiently. Use the Shotgun for close-quarters Gnaar. The goal is to reach the first major courtyard as fast as possible.

The Great Pyramid

This level introduces more complex enemy waves and open spaces.

Courtyard Rush: Upon entering the large courtyard, prioritize movement. You can often outrun the initial wave of Gnaar and Kleer. Head directly for the pyramid structure.
Pyramid Ascent: The ascent involves multiple enemy spawns. Use the Minigun (if acquired) for sustained fire against distant enemies, or the Shotgun for close-range threats. Don't stop to clear every enemy; focus on reaching the top.
Inside the Pyramid: This section often involves tight corridors and more serious enemy encounters. Conserve Rocket Launcher ammo for larger threats.

Valley of the Kings

This level is known for its wide-open spaces and numerous enemy spawns.

Initial Gauntlet: The opening area with multiple pathways requires quick decision-making. Often, the most direct path, even if it means taking some damage, is the fastest.
Rocket Launcher Acquisition: The Rocket Launcher is crucial for clearing out large groups of enemies and dealing with tougher foes like the Major Biomechanoids. grab it efficiently.
Mental's Lab: This area can be a bottleneck. Use explosives to clear out clustered enemies quickly. Prioritize the activation switches to progress.

Oasis

Water sections and varied enemy types define this level.

Water Movement: Movement in water is slower. Minimize time spent submerged. Look for paths that allow you to stay on land as much as possible.
Alleyways and Courtyards: These areas often have multiple enemy spawns. Use the Minigun for crowd control and the Shotgun for immediate threats.
Final Push: The end of the level often involves a large-scale battle. Don't be afraid to use your most powerful weapons, like the Rocket Launcher or Cannon, to clear the path to the exit.

Remember, consistent practice and understanding the game's mechanics are the most important tools in any speedrunner's arsenal. Good luck, and happy hunting, Sam!