Hell Let Loose: Vietnam update 1.2 is out today with over 500 fixes, as developer Expression Games continues to work on improvements for its newly released multiplayer FPS. While optimization and stability continue to be high-priority concerns, the team has plenty of plans for new additions and larger expansions to what’s on offer. To give us a better look at what’s in store, it’s just dropped a new Hell Let Loose: Vietnam roadmap, which kicks off a series of additions in September with two of its most-requested guns, and an iconic helicopter that’s taking to the skies.
“Since launch, we’ve heard your requests for two weapons in particular,” Expression Games writes. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam update 1.5 will give the M14 rifle to the US Forces, while the NVA get their hands on the Chinese-produced Type 56 SKS rifle. Alongside that comes one of the most immediately recognizable sights from the Vietnam war, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, known as the ‘Huey.’ Officially licensed in partnership with Bell, the Huey’s introduction will bring a more authentic feel to the multiplayer game.
Of course, if you think of helicopter scenes in classic Vietnam movies, you’re probably imagining them to a belting classic-rock soundtrack, whether it’s The Rolling Stones’ Paint it Black in Full Metal Jacket or Creedence’s Fortunate Son in Apocalypse Now. To capture this vibe, the Huey will have its own on-board radio that can be heard by passengers and any nearby players. Music will be synchronized across nearby choppers, and Expression is working to put together a “Vietnam War era-appropriate” soundtrack. You’ll also be able to opt out of hearing this if you prefer (convenient if you’re streaming, for example).
Beyond that, Expression has two more major updates already penciled out. Update 2.0 will introduce the game’s first new map, Khe Sanh, which it promises “will offer a very different and dramatic look and feel” compared to the existing lineup. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) will be joining the battle on the US side, along with three new weapons to suit them: the semi-automatic L1A1 SLR, close-quarters F1 SMG, and L16A1 mortar.
Further out, update 3.0 will add another map: the swamps and jungles of Rung Sat. It’ll also introduce APCs, which will naturally be a handy way to transport troops across the battlefield at speed. The Green Berets and Navy Seals will be added as alternative Allied player models, and you can expect four more weapons: the US and Allies will get the Stoner 63 assault rifle and a scoped variant of the M14, while the NVA is handed the MAT-49 SMG and the Soviet SVD Dragunov marksman rifle.
Outside of these landmarks, Expression Games is working on other systems that will be introduced once they’re ready to go. ‘Battallions’ will be an in-game way to organize communities and clans, allowing you to form persistent groups where you can track each other’s statistics, progress together, unlock content, and join servers alongside members of your battalion.
“The first version of battalions will provide the foundation for the system, but this is a feature we want to continue evolving alongside the community,” Expression explains. “Becauese battalions are being built specifically for players, clans, and organized groups, your feedback will be particularly important. We can’t wait to get the system into your hands and hear how you want to see it develop in the future.”
Expression also reiterates its commitment to continue working on “fixes, polish, optimization, and quality of life improvements” alongside these major overhauls. “We know that, while new content is exciting, ensuring Hell Let Loose: Vietnam runs as well as possible is incredibly important to the community.” It adds that although the roadmap represents what’s next, “our work doesn’t stop with the content you see here,” concluding: “We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.”
