While Sam himself doesn't have builds, your playstyle can be adapted to different situations. Here are some common and effective combat strategies:

- The Mobile Gunner: This is the most common and often most effective style. Keep moving, circle-strafing enemies, and constantly switching between weapons to maximize damage output and conserve ammo for specific threats. Never stand still.
- The Sniper (Situational): For long-range enemies like Zorgs or stationary targets, using the Sniper Rifle or even the Revolver for precise headshots can be effective. This is less common in the fast-paced arenas but useful for specific threats.
- The Explosives Expert: Rely heavily on the Rocket Launcher, Grenade Launcher, and Cannon for crowd control and high damage against large enemies. This style requires careful ammo management but can clear rooms quickly.
- The Melee Master (Challenge): While Sam has a Knife, relying on melee is extremely difficult and generally not recommended outside of specific challenge runs. It's only truly viable against the weakest enemies when you're completely out of ammo.
The best approach is often a hybrid, adapting your strategy based on the enemies present and the environment. Mastering weapon switching and movement is key to all effective playstyles.