[August 21, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]
If you’ve been craving a hardcore tactical shooter that goes beyond the usual arcade-style FPS, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is about to make your wishlist. Revealed during Gamescom 2025, this brand-new sequel from Expression Games and published by Team17 is set to launch in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store).
As someone who’s followed Hell Let Loose since its WW2 days, I can say this sequel feels like a natural yet bold leap. Instead of sticking with the familiar European frontlines, the developers are taking us deep into the jungles, rivers, and tunnels of the Vietnam War — a setting modern FPS games rarely explore. And from what we’ve seen so far, it’s shaping up to be both brutal and authentic.
What’s New in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?
The original Hell Let Loose was known for its 50v50 multiplayer battles, squad-based tactics, and that unique blend of FPS action with RTS-inspired strategy. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam keeps that same DNA but dials up the intensity with a completely new set of tools, vehicles, and battlegrounds.
Here’s what immediately caught my eye from the reveal trailer:
- Helicopters Change Everything 🛩️
This is the first time aerial combat is coming to the Hell Let Loose franchise. Helicopters aren’t just flashy — they’re crucial. Publisher Team17 explains they will “play a pivotal role in transporting soldiers to landing zones, delivering supplies to the team in tactical locations, conducting reconnaissance and offering aerial firepower.” Imagine the possibilities: dropping into hot zones, coordinating air support with ground squads, or using a helicopter as the ultimate mobile spawn point. - Patrol Boats Dominate the Rivers 🚤
Vietnam’s geography isn’t just about dense jungles — rivers and waterways played a massive role in the conflict. That’s why patrol boats are being introduced, letting you hammer enemy positions with heavy fire from the water. It’s not just a gimmick; these boats will force teams to rethink map control, ambush routes, and river crossings. - Underground Tunnel Networks ⚔️
One of the most fascinating tactical features is the addition of tunnels. North Vietnamese forces can construct and use these hidden routes for guerrilla-style gameplay. Think about it — you could be holding a capture point, and suddenly an enemy squad pops up behind your lines through a tunnel you didn’t even know existed. It’s the perfect mix of frustration and excitement that makes mil-sims so tense.
Maps and Setting
Expression Games confirmed that Hell Let Loose: Vietnam will launch with six maps inspired by Vietnam’s jungles and villages. The trailer already teases some iconic landscapes:
- Dense tropical forests where visibility is minimal and every sound matters.
- Wide rivers where boats and ambushes collide.
- Rural hamlets that turn into chaotic warzones.
Unlike many shooters that gloss over authenticity, this sequel leans heavily into historical accuracy, right down to the weapons, vehicles, and battlefield tactics of the era. If you loved the gritty realism of the original, you’re going to feel right at home here.
A Hardcore Alternative to Battlefield Vietnam
Now, if you’re thinking, “This sounds like Battlefield Vietnam 2.0”, let me stop you right there. Yes, both games feature helicopters, boats, and jungles — but that’s where the similarity ends.
The Hell Let Loose franchise is all about hardcore mil-sim gameplay, not arcade chaos. Soldiers can die in a single shot, tanks are slow but devastating, and every squad relies on communication to survive. It’s more in the vein of Squad than Battlefield. The big difference is accessibility — Hell Let Loose is still easier to pick up than something like Squad, making it the perfect entry point if you’ve been curious about mil-sims but intimidated by the steep learning curve.
The Development Journey
The story behind Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is almost as interesting as the game itself. The original Hell Let Loose was built by Black Matter, who pushed out the WW2 mil-sim back in 2019. But in 2022, publisher Team17 took ownership of the IP and handed the sequel to Expression Games, a studio with the vision (and resources) to expand the franchise into new territory.
Meanwhile, Black Matter didn’t just disappear. They rebranded themselves as Good Fun Corporation and are currently working on a Napoleonic-era PvPvE extraction RPG — very different from the brutal realism of Hell Let Loose. For longtime fans, this handoff to Expression Games means fresh direction, new ideas, and more ambitious features for the sequel.
Trailer Impressions
The reveal trailer set the tone perfectly. From the very first shots, you see why this isn’t just a reskin of the original game. Helicopters thunder overhead while squads of soldiers scramble through thick undergrowth. Boats cut across muddy rivers under heavy fire. And then there are the tunnels — brief but chilling glimpses of how unpredictable jungle warfare can be.
It’s cinematic, yes, but also grounded in realism. Every weapon sound feels heavy, every explosion rattles, and the atmosphere screams authenticity. If you’ve been craving a tactical FPS that captures the chaos and tension of Vietnam, this trailer delivers the message loud and clear: Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is coming for that space.
Why This Matters for Tactical Shooter Fans
Let’s be honest: outside of a few classics like Battlefield Vietnam, the Vietnam War setting hasn’t gotten nearly enough attention in modern shooters. Most FPS games prefer WW2 or near-future conflicts. That’s why Hell Let Loose: Vietnam feels so refreshing. It’s taking a conflict known for its unforgiving conditions, guerrilla tactics, and asymmetrical warfare and turning it into a playable, large-scale tactical experience.
If you’re someone who thrives on teamwork, communication, and realistic gunplay, this is your game. You’ll need to coordinate with your squad leader, rely on supply drops, and think strategically instead of rushing in like a lone wolf. It’s not just about reflexes — it’s about decisions, patience, and trust in your teammates.
Release Date and Platforms
Here’s the big detail: Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is set to launch in 2026. No exact date yet, but the fact that the Steam page is already live for wishlisting tells me the team is confident in their development roadmap. And unlike the first game, which had a long early access period, this sequel is expected to launch as a full release from day one.
You’ll be able to play it on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store)
That cross-platform release right out of the gate means the player base should be strong from the start — something absolutely crucial for a 100-player multiplayer shooter.
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Final Thoughts
As someone who’s sunk hours into the original, I can’t overstate how exciting this sequel looks. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam isn’t just about more maps or new guns; it’s about recreating one of the most intense, complex battlefields in history with a level of authenticity that few games even attempt.
Between helicopters, boats, underground tunnels, and six brutal new maps, 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for mil-sim fans. If you’ve ever wanted a game that challenges your reflexes, your brain, and your teamwork all at once, this might just be the most important tactical FPS release on the horizon.
So, go ahead — wishlist it on Steam, follow updates from Expression Games and Team17, and start rallying your squad. Because when Hell Let Loose: Vietnam drops, you’re going to need every ounce of coordination and grit to survive the jungles of Vietnam.
