Who came from the original Hell Let Loose after Hell Let Loose: Vietnam changes, recognizes many roles again – but the loadout system has changed significantly more.
The U.S. Armed Forces are ready for launch 17 specialized roles. In addition, there are two US-exclusive helicopter roles, which form an important part of the asymmetric gameplay.
This guide explains the Hell Let Loose Vietnam US Classes, their tasks, important weapon unlocks and the new Equipment-&-Weight-System. A wider introduction to maps, game systems and factions is offered by our Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Guide.
Data notice: The role structure and the weight system are officially confirmed. The specific weapons unlock levels in the tables are supplemented by the currently maintained Hell-Let-Loose-Vietnam-Wiki from Dexerto and correspond to the available launch data. Balance patches can change individual values.
How many US classes are there in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?
Officially, the game speaks of Roles, that is, roles. On the US side, all 17 roles from six unit types are available for launch:
Command
- Commander
Infantry
- Squad Leader
- Rifleman
- Grenadier
- Engineer
- Medic
- Specialist
- Machine Gunner
Recon
- Spotter
- Sniper
Armour
- Tank Commander
- Crewman
Helicopter – US exklusiv
- Logistics Officer
- Pilot
Mortar Squad
- Observer
- Support
- Gunner
This is how the new inventory and weight system works
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam replaces the old, largely fixed loadouts with a more flexible system.
Each role has a selection of permitted objects. These include, depending on the role:
- Primary weapons
- Secondary weapons
- Grenades and explosives
- Munition
- Werkzeuge
- Medical equipment
- Role-specific obligatory items
Jeder Gegenstand verbraucht Weight Capacity. At the same time, certain weapons and equipment variants are only unlocked with higher role levels.
This means that a weapon can be unlocked, but still be too heavy to carry along with any desired utility.
The developers have already adapted the system after the crossplay play test. Among other things, the early roll progression was accelerated, the take-off weight of selected rolls increased and the weight of certain weapons reduced.
Player reports from the launch version describe an increasing capacity up to the maximum reel level. However, these specific capacity values are currently better than Versionstand and not to be understood as a permanently unchanging rule of the game.
All U.S. roles explained
1. Commander
The commander leads the entire team, coordinates squad leaders and deploys strategic capabilities.
Wichtige Waffenfreischaltungen:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
Task: Overall leadership, resources, markers, coordination and strategic decisions.
2. Squad Leader
The squad leader leads an infantry squad and connects his unit with the commander and the other squad leaders.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
Particularly important, however, are outposts, garrisons, markers and communication. For the role, the corresponding tutorial must be completed.
3. Rifleman
The Rifleman is the classic frontline role and is well suited for new players.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- M16A1-M203 – Level 10
The M16A1-M203 is the large later unlock and combines assault rifle and 40 mm grenade launcher.
4. Grenadier
The Grenadier combines infantry firepower with explosive and anti-vehicle capabilities.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M79 – Start
- M72 LAW – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
- M16A1-M203 – Level 10
Due to M79 and M72, the role is already much more specialized early on than a normal Rifleman.
5. Engineer
The engineer builds, repairs and works with technical and explosive tools.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- M79 – Level 7
- Model 77E – Level 7
- M16A1-M203 – Level 10
Depending on the loadout, there are also construction and repair tools, mines and explosives.
6. Medic
The Medic cares for the wounded and can revive off-players.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
The main task remains medical support. Additional firepower is less important to the Medic than positioning and survival.
7. Specialist
The Specialist combines support utility with particularly unusual special armament.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- M2A1-7 Flamethrower – Level 7
- Model 77E – Level 7
- M16A1-M203 – Level 10
The flamethrower is one of the most striking unlocks of this role.
8. Machine Gunner
The Machine Gunner delivers permanent suppression fire.
Important weapons:
- M60 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- Model 77E – Level 7
The M60 is the central weapon for defense, flank protection and locking enemy movement axes.
Recon
9. Spotter
The Spotter leads the Recon team. His priorities are reconnaissance, opposing spawn structures and the sharing of important information.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
- M79 – Level 10
10. Sniper
The sniper works together with the spotter behind the opposing lines.
Important weapons:
- M40 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- Model 77E – Level 7
The M40 is the central US sniper weapon.
Armour
11. Tank Commander
The Tank Commander leads the vehicle crew and coordinates drivers, gunners and tactical movement.
Important personal weapons:
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 – ab Level 3
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
The real strength of the role remains the vehicle and communication.
12. Crewman
Crewman occupy driver, gunner or other vehicle positions.
Important personal weapons:
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 – ab Level 3
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
US Helicopter Unit
The helicopter unit is US-exklusiv and one of the biggest playful features of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam.
13. Logistics Officer
The Logistics Officer is designed for support and logistical tasks around the helicopter unit.
Important weapons:
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 – Level 3
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
According to current community documentation, the basic equipment also includes bandage, hammer and binoculars.
14. Pilot
The pilot is responsible for the actual flight operations.
Important weapons:
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 – Level 3
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
Personal armament is secondary: the helicopter itself is the most important tool of the role.
Mortar Squad
The Mortar Squad consists of three roles that together provide indirect fire support.
15. Mortar Observer
The Observer coordinates goals and supports fire control.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
- M79 – Level 10
16. Mortar Support
The support player supports the mortar unit with supply and utility.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
17. Mortar Gunner
The Mortar Gunner operates the actual mortar.
Important weapons:
- M16A1 – Start
- M1911A1 – Start
- M16A1 with bayonet – Level 4
- Model 77E – Level 7
The most important US weapons at a glance
| Waffe | Typ | Typical roles / unlock |
|---|---|---|
| M16A1 | Sturmgewehr | Standard weapon of many US roles |
| M16A1 with bayonet | Sturmgewehr | Many roles from level 4 |
| M16A1-M203 | Sturmgewehr + Granatwerfer | multiple infantry roles, often level 10 |
| M1911A1 | Pistole | Side-weapon of many roles |
| M60 | Maschinengewehr | Machine Gunner |
| M40 | Sniper rifle | Sniper |
| M79 | Granatwerfer | Grenadier and later special unlocks |
| M72 LAW | Anti-Tank Launcher | Grenadier |
| M2A1-7 | Flammenwerfer | Specialist, Level 7 |
| Model 77E | Shotgun | Numerous roles from level 7 |
U.S. Equipment by Role and Access
Weapons have specific role and level specifications in the loadouts. Tools, supply and vehicles, on the other hand, work mainly via the chosen role, the loadout, the card and the running round. Where no robust separate level unlock is documented, we therefore deliberately do not call an invented value.
| Equipment | Role | Typical roles | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binoculars and guiding tools | Observation, marking and coordination | Commander, Squad Leader, Spotter, Mortar Observer | Role-/loadout-bound; no separate player level occupied |
| Medizinische Utility | Caring for the wounded and getting them back into battle | Medic | Roll/loadout-bound |
| Hammer, construction and repair tools | Supporting positions, supplies and vehicles | Engineer, Logistics Officer | Roll/loadout-bound |
| Mines, explosives and special ammunition | Closing areas, fighting vehicles and clearing positions | Grenadier, Engineer, Specialist | depending on loadout and role progress; no uniform utility level |
| Ammunition and supplies | Supplying infantry and heavy weapons | Supply and Mortar Support Roles | Roll/loadout-bound |
| Mortar equipment | Observe, supply and operate indirect fire | Mortar Observer, Support, Gunner | Access via the mortar unit, not a player level |
US vehicles and access
| Fahrzeuggruppe | Use | Competent roles | Freischaltung |
|---|---|---|---|
| US-Helikopter | Fire support, transport and supply | Logistics Officer, Pilot | US-exclusive helicopter unit; no player level, depending on map and round |
| Bewaffnete Patrouillenboote | Struggle and Movement on Rivers | situative Bootsbesatzung | Confirmed for both factions; built or deployed in the round, no player level |
| Gepanzerte Bodenfahrzeuge | Mobile firepower and protection | Tank Commander, Crewman | Accessible via tank unit and map spawn, no player level |
| APCs | Future Armoured Transportation | Not yet exhaustively described | Roadmap milestone 3.0 announced, no live unlock yet |
Announced US and Allied content
| Content | Roadmap | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| M14 | Milestone 1.5 | Announced for the US Armed Forces; role/level assignment still open |
| Licensed Bell UH-1 Model and Audio | Milestone 1.5 | Revision of the US helicopter; no player level |
| L1A1 SLR, F1 SMG and L16A1 mortars | Milestone 2.0 | Announced for the ANZAC faction, not confirmed as regular US loadouts |
| Stoner 63 and M14 with scope | Milestone 3.0 | Announced for allied special forces; exact unlocks open |
The time connection and other announced content can be found in our HLL-Vietnam-Roadmap.
Which US class is suitable for beginners?
For new players, the Rifleman A good start. The role conveys movement, gunplay, ammunition and squadplay without immediately forcing leadership or special tasks.
Then, depending on the interest, there are:
- Medic For support
- Engineer For infrastructure
- Grenadier For explosive and anti-vehicle tasks
- Machine Gunner For suppression fires
- Squad Leader For guidance
- Recon For intelligence
- Armour For vehicle combat
- Helicopter For logistics and mobility
- Mortar Squad For indirect fire support
Conclusion on the US class system
The US side combines familiar Hell Let Loose reels with two exclusive helicopter reels and a much more flexible loadout system.
The most important change is not a single weapon, but the connection from Role Levels, Unlocks and Weight Capacity. This not only unlocks what a role is allowed to use – players also have to decide how to use their limited equipment capacity wisely.
FAQ: US classes in Hell Let Loose Vietnam
How many U.S. roles are there?
At launch, the US side will have all 17 officially listed roles available.
Which roles are exclusive to the US?
The helicopter roles Logistics Officer and Pilot They are US exclusive.
Are there still fixed loadouts like in the original Hell Let Loose?
Not in the same form. Vietnam relies more on freely combinable equipment within the role-dependent weight capacity.
Which role is best for beginners?
The Rifleman is the most uncomplicated entry. Leadership roles such as Squad Leader and Commander also require the corresponding tutorials.
Which US role is suitable for beginners?
The Rifleman is a good start because the task remains clear and no rare special role is blocked.
What roles do helicopters use?
Pilot and crew chief take over transport, supply and air movement. A well-established communication is particularly important.
Are all weapons immediately available?
No. Many loadouts and weapons are unlocked via role levels; exact requirements can be changed through balance patches.
Which announced US weapons will come later?
The roadmap mentions, among others, M14, L1A1 SLR, F1, Stoner 63 and an M14 variant with rifle scope. Roles and dates can change.
Passende HLL-Vietnam-Inhalte
- NVA Classes, Weapons, Level and Tunnel Explained
- Troubleshooting for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam
- Hell Let Loose: Vietnam servers
- RCON for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam
Ready for the next round together?
Are you looking for fellow players to level together or would like to turn a loose group into a community of your own? In the frontline Discord you will find connection. If you also need a reliably operated server, we support you with technology, hosting and ongoing operation.
Sources
Official
- Hell Let Loose: Vietnam – Steam page / role structure: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3079210/Hell_Let_Loose_Vietnam/
- Gameplay Roles Showcase: https://www.hellletloose.com/blog/hllv-gameplay-showcase
- Road To Launch Update – Progression & Weight-Anpassungen: https://www.hellletloose.com/blog/road-to-launch-dev-update
- Official Reddit post on the road-to-launch update: https://www.reddit.com/r/HellLetLooseVietnam/comments/1vb6pud/road_to_launch_update_crossplay_playtest_review/
Complementary Community Data
- Dexerto Hell Let Loose Vietnam Wiki – roles, weapons and unlock level: https://www.dexerto.com/wikis/hell-let-loose-vietnam/
- Reddit discussion on the Weight System: https://www.reddit.com/r/HellLetLooseVietnam/comments/1sy0ts0/the_loadout_system/
Data quality: Roles and group structure are officially documented. Concrete weapon unlock levels are complementary community data and should be re-examined after larger balance patches.
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