Hell Let Loose: Vietnam brings jungle warfare to 2026

Expression Games and Team17 have officially unveiled Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, marking the franchise’s first departure from its World War II roots. Set to launch in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, this standalone experience transports players to one of history’s most intense conflicts, promising the same tactical depth fans love with an entirely new theater of war.

What makes this Vietnam experience different

Built on Unreal Engine 5, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam takes the series’ signature 50v50 multiplayer battles and adapts them to the challenging landscape of Southeast Asia. The game captures the essence of combat between 1965 and 1973, featuring the US Armed Forces clashing with the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong across six launch maps that include dense jungles, winding river deltas, rice paddies, and mountainous terrain.

The developers haven’t just changed the scenery—they’ve introduced gameplay mechanics that reflect the unique nature of Vietnam War combat. US forces gain access to fully operational helicopters for troop deployment and fire support, while North Vietnamese players can construct extensive tunnel networks for surprise attacks and strategic movement. Both sides can deploy armed patrol boats to control the crucial river systems that snake through each map.

Enhanced combat mechanics

Player movement has been significantly upgraded to match the demanding environment. Swimming, climbing, and fast crawling add new tactical dimensions, while the ability to drag wounded teammates out of danger creates more immersive squad-based gameplay. The game features 19 different classes and six distinct game modes, including the popular Warfare mode—a tug-of-war style confrontation where teams fight for control over five sectors.

Expression Games emphasizes that success isn’t measured by individual kill counts. Communication, coordination, and teamwork remain the core pillars of victory, rewarding players who work together rather than those seeking personal glory.

Ready for deployment

While a specific release date hasn’t been announced beyond the 2026 window, an open beta is planned for sometime next year. The original Hell Let Loose will continue receiving support and updates alongside the new title’s development, ensuring the World War II experience remains fresh for its dedicated player base.

For tactical shooter fans hungry for authentic Vietnam War combat—something that’s been largely absent from major titles in recent years—Hell Let Loose: Vietnam could be the definitive experience they’ve been waiting for.

Want more gaming news and updates? Follow Geek Realm Hub on Facebook and stay connected with the latest from the gaming world. We’re your source for everything geek culture!