Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, the sequel to the World War 2 shooter, delivers a demanding but compelling 50 vs. 50 online experience, scoring 7/10 in our review. Released on August 13, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, this tactical shooter challenges players with its steep learning curve and brutal authenticity, offering a distinct alternative to Call Of Duty and Battlefield.
A Different Kind of Warfare
Set during the Vietnam War, the game presents a stark contrast to its predecessor. The conflict is fought in extreme terrain, from near desert to triple canopy jungle, and features completely asymmetric forces. The American war effort is mechanised with helicopters, fixed wing air support, and river patrol boats, while the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) relies on greater manpower and Viet Cong militias. The game is strictly USA vs. NVA, but borrows the Viet Cong's hand-dug tunnel networks to even the odds. Engineers on the Vietnamese side can link garrisons with tunnel entrances anywhere in the bush, providing an invisible fast travel network that lets squads pop up unexpectedly.
Seventeen Military Disciplines
Players can choose from 17 military disciplines, each with its own role. Specialists support engineers, riflemen are the easiest to learn, and mortar teams, machine gunners, grenadiers, tank and boat crews, plus pilots for UH-1 supply helicopters, are all essential. The team's commander shapes the battlefield, calling in resupply, air strikes, and artillery bombardments, and assigning priorities. However, success depends on the quality of leadership and the coordination of squad leaders and specialists.
Brutal Learning Curve
Starting out, the game is not much fun. Spawning as a rifleman, you must follow your sergeant to an objective, but getting distracted, losing your team, or running through thick jungle before being shot by an unseen enemy are common fates. There's no kill cam or feedback, and medics are rarely present. Rounds can last up to 90 minutes if the sides are evenly matched. The game features four modes: Warfare, Offensive, Conquest, and Domination, each with distinct objectives and strategic nuances.
Technical Issues and Cross-Play
At launch, there are six extremely large maps, each accommodating 100 players. The game is cross-play, with slight aim assist for console players using controllers, which has caused some consternation among PC users. The game has rough edges, including training events failing to spawn, strobing foliage textures, and overfilled servers. However, the first Hell Let Loose was improved almost out of all recognition since its own rocky start, suggesting potential for this sequel.
Despite its challenges, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is off to a promising start. With a skilled commander, active squad leaders, and a coordinated team, the tactical groundwork of supply caches and garrisons can lead to victory. It demands discipline and persistence, but for those willing to invest the time, it offers a hugely rewarding and strategic experience.
