“Good morning, Vietnam,” said the radio — but the soldier couldn’t respond, lying motionless in a pool of blood. In true Hell Let Loose fashion, the upcoming Vietnam installment aims for brutal authenticity — and that comes with serious challenges.

Realism has always been the cornerstone of the Hell Let Loose series, and Hell Let Loose: Vietnam takes it to the next level. This dedication to authenticity has proven tricky for developer Expression Games — just as the real Vietnam War posed enormous difficulties for soldiers on the ground. Nearly half of Vietnam is covered in dense jungle, and before the war, that figure was even higher. The thickness of the foliage makes it nearly impossible to see the sky, spot wildlife, or notice an enemy taking aim at you.

Since World War I, sudden, unseen deaths have been part of warfare — but that doesn’t necessarily make for a fun or balanced experience in gaming. To address this, Expression Games decided to make the jungle both an ally and an adversary. In the 2026 release of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, the environment itself is alive — trees and bushes react to the slightest movement, rustling just enough to warn players of nearby threats. In short, the jungle is a snitch, and carelessness will get you killed.

The game’s soundscape will be equally detailed. The studio has brought in a vegetation expert and a dedicated sound designer whose sole mission is to recreate the authentic atmosphere of the Vietnamese jungle. According to creative director Matt White, everything in the game — from the insects to the frogs — is 100% historically accurate. It remains to be seen whether this setting will add a new layer of intensity to the Hell Let Loose formula.

The original Hell Let Loose, set during World War II, was an excellent introduction to the hardcore military sim genre, though it arguably lacked that one element that made it stand out. With Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, launching in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, the series seems ready to deliver its most immersive and punishing battlefield yet.

Source: PCGamer