Team17 and Expression Games have revealed Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, the next evolution of the hardcore tactical FPS, bringing 50v50 battles to the jungles of Southeast Asia in 2026.
Hell Let Loose Vietnam Reveal
The trailer confirmed that Expression Games is handling development this time while Team17 stays on as publisher. Core gameplay will still center around large-scale 50v50 matches that reward coordination and chain of command teamwork. What’s changing is the setting, the tactics and the tech.
The Vietnam Setting Changes Everything
This time it’s 1965 to 1973. New maps based on real Southeast Asian terrain will feature dense jungle, wide river networks and steep mountain gorges. Expect six large-scale maps at launch, complete with lighting and weather variations. Movement options are getting a boost too. Players can swim, climb, fast crawl and even drag injured teammates to safety.
Helicopters are coming to the US side. They’ll offer fire support and supply drops and should op
en up new tactical options across open terrain. You’ll also have access to patrol boats including the iconic US PBR which let squads patrol or strike through rivers. On the North Vietnamese side, expect complex underground tunnel networks that allow for stealth, ambushes and fallback movement. It’s going to take serious planning to push or hold ground.
Units, Roles and Game Modes
There are six core unit types: Command, Infantry, Recon, Armour, Helicopter for the US only and Mortar Squad, with 19 roles between them. The game will include six modes at launch including the familiar Warfare tug of war control mode, Offensive and four new formats that haven’t been revealed yet.
Weapons, gear and tactics will all reflect the Vietnam-era arsenal. That means new strategies for sightlines, suppression and squad movement. If you’ve played Hell Let Loose before, you’ll recognize the framework. But the jungle, air support and asymmetric battlefield tools should give it a fresh feel without ditching the franchise’s identity.
A Familiar Foundation with Fresh Complexity
The shift to Vietnam doesn’t just mean new visuals. It introduces different pacing, different vulnerabilities and different solutions. Tunnel ambushes, napalm strikes and supply chokepoints change how matches play out.
Hardcore players who’ve stuck with HLL for its realism and scale will find a lot to like here. But the new setting could also attract FPS fans who never connected with the WWII theme. There’s room to grow the player base while sticking to what the series does best: teamwork, pressure and tactical flexibility.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam isn’t trying to reinvent the series. It’s expanding the battlefield. The scale is still massive. The rules are still strict. The difference is in how you move, what you use and how quickly the battlefield can change. If it lands right, it could be one of the standout tactical shooters of 2026.