Hell Let Loose: Vietnam’s 50v50 trailer looks brutal — but can it pull off jungle warfare?

Why this trailer actually matters

The first gameplay trailer for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam grabbed my attention because large-scale tactical shooters rarely tackle the Vietnam War – and when they do, they usually miss the point. This one promises 50v50 battles in claustrophobic jungle, multi-role helicopters, naval combat, tunnels, and six launch maps. If the team pulls it off, it’s a genuinely different tempo from Hell Let Loose’s WWII roots: closer-quarters ambushes, verticality from choppers, and constant visibility drama that rewards patience and teamwork over run-and-gun play.

• 50v50 jungle combat changes pacing and tactics compared to modern/WWII shooters.
• Multi-role helicopters and naval combat add mobility but risk balance headaches.
• Historical authenticity sounds great – until it becomes an excuse for poor accessibility or imbalance.

Breaking down the trailer – what we actually saw

Expression Games released the trailer showcasing dense foliage, muddy deltas, narrow tunnels and chaotic landing zones. The footage emphasizes six launch maps with varied environments — from riverine combat to claustrophobic jungle trails — and a clear focus on combined-arms play. Vehicles include Huey-style helicopters, M113-like APCs, and jeeps; weapons shown are period-appropriate (M16s, AK-pattern rifles, M60s and heavier support weapons). There are also flamethrower shots and environmental destruction: explosions carve paths through foliage and change sightlines mid-battle.

Crucially, the trailer centers on role diversity: 19 roles across infantry and vehicles. Squads coordinate smoke screens, suppressive fire, and flanking maneuvers — exactly the kind of teamwork Hell Let Loose’s community has been demanding since the 2021 original by Black Matter and Team17. The Vietnam setting should reward stealth, patience, and map knowledge far more than reflex-based shooters.

Why this matters for players

This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint. Vietnam’s terrain forces a different meta: limited sightlines, ambush corridors, and a higher value on reconnaissance and suppression. Helicopters change the dynamic: they’re not just transport but force multipliers. If balanced properly, pilots and vehicle crews will need squads to protect them — which could deepen the teamwork loop that long-time Hell Let Loose players love.

Also worth noting: bringing Hell Let Loose’s scale to consoles (Xbox Series X|S and PS5) and PC in 2026 raises technical stakes. Running 100-player matches with dense foliage, particle effects, and dynamic destruction is a performance challenge. Server stability, hit registration, and client-side visibility tricks will make or break the experience.

What I’m excited about — and what I’m suspicious of

• Excited: The jungle setting is underexplored for tactical shooters. Expect tense ambushes and memorable moments where a single flank or smoke screen decides a battle.
• Wary: “Historical authenticity” often translates into obtuse mechanics or punitive realism. I want authenticity that enhances gameplay, not gatekeeps it.
• Concerned: Helicopters and flamethrowers look cinematic. But vehicle-player balance, spawn protection, and map design will determine whether those tools are fun or frustrating.
• Hopeful: If the devs lean into squad coordination and smart spawn/role systems, this could become the go-to for organized 50v50 play.

Practical tips from the trailer for new players

• Start infantry-first: Learn jungle movement, noise discipline, and line-of-sight before attempting pilots or drivers.
• Join a voice squad: 50v50 fights live and die on coordination — use smoke, suppression, and timed pushes.
• Protect vehicle crews: Pilots and APC drivers can swing fights, but they need infantry support to survive landing zones and ambushes.
• Learn the six maps: chokepoints and river crossings will become contested hot zones.

Why now — and what to watch for

Releasing a Vietnam-focused title in a market full of modern and WWII shooters is smart timing. Players who love realism and large-scale tactics are hungry for a different setting. But keep an eye on matchmaking, server tech, and post-launch content plans: six maps at launch sounds fine, but longevity will depend on regular content, balance patches, and community tools for organized play.

TL;DR

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam’s trailer promises a tense, teamwork-first 50v50 take on jungle warfare with helicopters and naval elements. It’s one of the more intriguing tactical ideas in years — but technical performance, balance around vehicles, and how “authentic” mechanics are implemented will decide if it’s legendary or just loud.