Hell Let Loose: Vietnam preview: one of the most realistic shooters I’ve ever played
Hell Let Loose, the hardcore WWII first-person shooter from developer Expression Games, has maintained an impressive track record since its launch five years ago. While the game has never boasted massive concurrent player numbers—peaking at just over 21,000 players in January 2025—it has achieved something rare in the industry: a steadily increasing player count throughout its entire lifespan, demonstrating a deeply committed community within the niche tactical shooter space.
Now Expression Games is preparing to expand the franchise with Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, shifting the game’s focus from the well-documented battlefields of World War II to the less-explored Vietnam War. The sequel maintains the core design philosophy that has defined the original—a commitment to realistic, hardcore gameplay where player mistakes carry genuine consequences and tactical decision-making is paramount.
The move to Vietnam introduces new mechanics tailored to the conflict’s unique characteristics, departing from traditional WWII shooter conventions. This sequel represents an opportunity to introduce the Hell Let Loose formula to a different historical setting while building on the foundation of community trust the original game has established.