Death from Above is the first main chapter of Serious Sam 4, set in the ruins and streets of Rome. Players navigate through enemy forces to locate Father Mikhail while utilizing the open environment to fight off groups of hostile creatures.
The level features eight hidden secrets, one audio log, and an optional side mission titled Over the Wall that rewards players with Holodecoys. Uncovering these collectibles provides extra health, armor, and weapons to assist in the final large battle.
Death from Above is the first proper chapter of Serious Sam 4. After being separated from the rest of the team, Sam and Kenny find themselves making their way through the streets and ruins of Rome while trying to locate Father Mikhail.
Unlike the short opening chapter, there are several secrets to find here, as well as an optional side mission. There are 8 secrets in total, so keep an eye out as you make your way through the level.
Finding Your Way Through the Ruins
After the opening sequence, follow Kenny through the ruins and deal with the enemies blocking your way.
You’ll soon enter a dark tunnel. Before continuing through it, keep an eye out for a damaged wooden cabinet along the path.
Go behind the cabinet to find the first secret: a Rocket Launcher.
SECRET #1 – ROCKET LAUNCHER
The Rocket Launcher is hidden behind the broken cabinet inside the tunnel near the beginning of the chapter.
It’s hard to miss if you’re looking around, but make sure you grab it before leaving the tunnel.
Continue through the tunnel and head outside. You’ll soon start encountering larger groups of enemies, so don’t be afraid to use the weapons you’ve picked up.
Secret #2 – Hidden Supply Depot
After leaving the tunnel, you’ll eventually reach an area with some large ruins and pillars.
Instead of immediately following the main path, look toward the building on the right. You can climb up the ledges underneath the structure.
Jump across the platforms and make your way upward until you reach the hidden area.
You’ll find health and rocket ammunition here.
This is Secret #2.
Drop back down and continue following the main objective.
Secret #3 – Hidden Armor
A little further ahead, you’ll pass through another area filled with ruins.
Before picking up the Double-Barreled Shotgun, look around the area and head toward the bushes.
There’s a hidden path behind one of them that leads to Secret #3, containing armor.
Grab the armor and return to the main path.
You’ll soon get into another large fight. Take out the enemies and continue following Kenny.
The “Over the Wall” Side Mission
Eventually, you’ll reach an area where Kenny mentions an old EDF storage facility.
This starts the optional side mission “Over the Wall.”
Instead of simply continuing toward the main objective, follow the blue objective marker toward the EDF facility.
You’ll need to make your way through the area and eventually reach the storage facility.
The reward for completing the side mission is an equipment case containing two Holodecoys.
The Holodecoys can be very useful during the larger battles later in the game, so it’s worth taking the extra time to complete this objective.
Secret #4 – Hidden Armor
While you’re inside the area associated with the EDF storage facility, keep an eye out for another hidden path.
After entering the area, head toward the shooting range but don’t immediately go down the stairs.
Instead, look for a large bush and a small opening in the wall nearby.
Go through the opening and follow the path around the building.
You’ll eventually find Secret #4, which contains another armor pickup.
Once you’ve collected it, return to the main route and continue through the ruins.
Into the Streets of Rome
After progressing through the ruins, you’ll eventually reach the streets.
You’ll have to fight through several groups of enemies, including Werebulls and other creatures.
Keep moving forward and use the environment to your advantage. The open streets give you plenty of room to dodge charging enemies.
After dealing with the enemies, continue through the building and follow the path upstairs.
Secret #5 – Health and Ammo
When you leave the building and return to the street, immediately look to the right.
There are some concrete blocks along the road. Head behind them to find a hidden supply area.
This is Secret #5, containing health and ammunition.
Collect the supplies and continue down the street.
Secret #6 – Hidden Armor
Further along the street, you’ll find a white van.
Jump onto the van and then use it to reach the nearby truck.
Climb onto the truck to find another hidden armor pickup.
This is Secret #6.
Jump back down and continue toward the objective.
Secret #7 – Hidden Supply Depot
Before entering the final large area of the chapter, look for a corner near some concrete barriers.
Instead of following the main route immediately, head around the corner.
You’ll find another hidden supply depot containing health, armor and ammunition.
This is Secret #7.
It’s worth grabbing these supplies before continuing because the fights ahead can get pretty hectic.
The Final Battle
Continue toward the large square and prepare for a much bigger fight.
You’ll encounter several enemy types, including Scrapjacks and Gamma Troopers. Keep moving and avoid getting surrounded.
Once you’ve cleared the area, make your way across the bridge toward the large gate.
Secret #8 – The Secret Cow King
This final secret is probably the strangest one in the chapter.
At the end of the bridge, look for a gate with a warning sign.
Instead of simply walking past it, shoot the panel/sign.
This reveals the secret Bull King, which triggers a fight.
Be prepared for the enemy that appears after activating the secret. Take it down and you’ve found all 8 secrets in Death from Above.
Audio Log
There is also one Audio Log hidden in this chapter.
After the fight involving the Werebulls and the Double-Barreled Shotgun, you’ll briefly enter a building.
When you leave the building, look toward the concrete blocks to the left of the exit.
The Audio Log is hidden behind a supply crate.
Collect it to add the “Introduction” audio log to Netricsa.
Skill Points
There are no additional S.A.M. skill points to collect in Death from Above.
The first skill point is awarded through the main story, while the remaining S.A.M. eggs are hidden throughout later chapters. S.A.M. eggs are found inside wooden crates and are used to unlock abilities in the skill tree.
So you don’t need to worry about missing a skill point while completing this chapter.
Chapter 1 Checklist
- Side Mission: Over the Wall
- Side Mission Reward: 2 Holodecoys
- Secrets: 8
- Audio Logs: 1
- Additional Skill Points: None
- Main Objective: Find Father Mikhail
- Location: Rome, Italy
Once you’ve cleared the final battle and completed the chapter, you’ll move on to Chapter 2: Death from Below.
If you’re going for 100% completion, make sure you’ve collected all 8 secrets and the Audio Log before finishing the chapter.
