BEGINNER GUIDE
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Beginner Guide
A 50 vs 50 tactical shooter where the win comes from communication and the chain of command, not lone-hero kills. Here's how the loop works and what to do in your first match.
The core loop
You and 49 teammates face 50 opponents across six large maps. Two modes define most matches: Warfare, a tug-of-war where both sides fight for control of five sectors, and Offensive, where one side attacks and the other defends. Progress comes from holding ground, building spawns (Garrisons and Outposts), and staying in voice with your squad — one Officer leads each squad, and a Commander oversees the whole team's map.
Pick Rifleman first
Start as a Rifleman. It has no special mechanics, your spare ammo can resupply mates, and it is the easiest way to learn the maps. Good early alternatives:
- Medic — can drag and revive downed teammates; high tolerance for mistakes.
- Support — carries the supply box that lets the team build spawns; quietly one of the most important roles.
- Machine Gunner — contributes through suppression rather than raw kills.
Crossplay & player count
Matches are 50 vs 50 (100 players). Cross-platform play between PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is supported. At launch the PC and console player pools are separate, so there is no PC-to-console crossplay — server browsers label matches as cross-platform, PC-only, or console-only, and you can pick. There is no cross-generation play (no PS4/Xbox One).
Four habits that keep you alive
- Turn on your mic and stay with your squad. The first move every match is "open comms, follow the squad lead."
- Don't sprint everywhere. Sprinting drains stamina and makes noise, and you must be stationary to fire accurately. Veterans mostly walk.
- Use cover and go prone. Jungle sightlines are short, and a muzzle flash can give your position away to enemies 200 meters off. When suppressed, break line of sight and re-engage from a new angle.
- Use the new movement. You can swim, climb, and fast-crawl. NVA players build tunnels for back-line ambushes; US players call in UH-1 Huey helicopters for drops and fire support, and both sides run patrol boats on the rivers.
Before you start
Make sure your machine clears the bar — see the System Requirements page. Then grab a mic, pick Rifleman, and stick with your squad.