Hell Let Loose: Vietnam’s is a full standalone tactical multiplayer FPS (not a mod, DLC, or expansion), developed by Expression Games and published by Team17.
It brings the hardcore 50v50 milsim formula of the original WWII Hell Let Loose to the Vietnam War era.
Latest Official News (as of May 27, 2026)
- Release Date: Digital launch on June 18, 2026 for PC (Steam + Epic Games Store), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Physical editions arrive August 4, 2026.
- Free Open Beta Weekend on Steam: May 29 – June 1, 2026 (starts in just a couple of days). It features the Thanh Hóa Bridge map (inspired by the real “Dragon’s Jaw” bridge battle) and gives players a chance to try the new jungle warfare, tunnels, helicopters, and boats.
- Pre-orders are live with a 10% discount (Standard ~$35.99, Deluxe ~$53.99 until launch). Deluxe Edition includes cosmetic bonuses like the US Boat Crew Uniform.
The game was officially announced in August 2025 with a reveal trailer.
There haven’t been major “leaks” since then — most early footage and playtests were under NDA or officially shared. Development uses Unreal Engine 5 with a reworked codebase.
Core Gameplay & Features
It keeps the signature Hell Let Loose DNA: large-scale 50v50 battles, resource management (Manpower/Munitions/Fuel), chain of command, Garrisons/Outposts for spawning, and a steep learning curve with emphasis on communication and teamwork.
No hand-holding — minimal HUD cues in places, realistic movement, and frequent deaths.
Vietnam-specific twists (the big hype drivers):
- Asymmetric factions — US Armed Forces vs. North Vietnamese Army (NVA).
- US advantages: Helicopters (hot drops, transport, mobile spawns), napalm options?, patrol boats.
- NVA advantages: Tunnel networks (buildable/linked fast-travel and ambush system on the tactical map), jungle/terrain mastery.
- Enhanced movement: Swimming, climbing, fast crawling, dragging wounded teammates.
- 17–19 specialized roles across infantry, recon, armor, helicopter, and mortar units (Commander, Squad Leader, Rifleman with M16, Medic, Engineer, Pilot, etc.).
- 6 large maps at launch (inspired by real battles like Operation Starlite, Tet Offensive in Huế, Đắk Tô, etc.), with weather/lighting variants, rice paddies, rivers, villages, and dense jungle.
- New/alternating modes alongside classic Warfare and Offensive.
Visual examples of the intense jungle combat and new features:
Hype & Community Reception
Hype is strong and building fast, especially among fans of the original Hell Let Loose and hardcore milsim players.
Early hands-on previews (IGN, Polygon, YouTubers, closed beta impressions) call it:
- “Incredible” and “brutal”
- “The Vietnam FPS we’ve been waiting for”
- Praised for how the asymmetry (tunnels vs. helicopters) makes factions feel meaningfully different, tight gunplay, immersive jungle audio/visuals, and emergent teamwork moments
Many say it “feels like Hell Let Loose” in the best way — same DNA but refreshed for a new era.
Some caveats from previews:
- Very hardcore learning curve and “friction” (long walks without vehicles, sensory minimalism) — great for dedicated players, potentially alienating for casuals.
- Preview builds had some technical roughness (foliage pop-in, stutter) that should improve.
- No crossplay at launch (PC and consoles separate).
- Map/UI tweaks still happening based on feedback.
On Reddit, X/Twitter, and forums you’ll see excitement about “Hueys,” tunneling ambushes, river boat action, and the cinematic scale.
Some skepticism exists about long-term balance or whether it will hold players after the novelty, but the overall sentiment is very positive heading into the open beta.
Where to Jump In
- Wishlist/Pre-order: Steam page (search “Hell Let Loose Vietnam”)
- Beta signup (if you missed early waves): hll-vietnam.firstlook.gg
- Official site: hellletloose.com (has news and enlist links)
- Follow for updates: @hell_let_loose on socials
The open beta in two days is the perfect time to form your own opinion — especially if you like slow, tactical, voice-chat-heavy gameplay with big moments. Expect plenty more trailers, impressions, and dev updates between now and June 18.
Ready to deploy?
The jungle is waiting. 🪖🌴
