Patch 1.3 for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is now available on PC, bringing a wide range of balance adjustments, performance improvements, and technical fixes to the title. This update focuses heavily on gameplay flow and stability, addressing community feedback regarding faction balance and hardware-specific crashes.

Quick Facts

  • NVA Tunnel Balancing: Tunnel placement cooldown is doubled to 10 minutes; 'hot' tunnels now prevent spawning.
  • Armor Updates: Tank drivers can now change gears without needing to engage the throttle.
  • Stability: Includes a workaround for stability issues affecting AMD hardware users.
  • Console Enhancements: Subtle updates to improve shadow quality and reduce image noise in indirectly lit areas.

Key Gameplay and Balance Changes

The NVA tunnel network has received significant adjustments to slow down the speed at which it can be redeployed. Beyond the cooldown increase, the implementation of 'hot' tunnel restrictions brings their mechanics in line with existing Garrison rules. Additionally, the M79 no longer produces a lingering smoke plume after firing, and NVA mortars are now vulnerable to US M183 Demolition Charges.

Tank gameplay has been streamlined: drivers are no longer required to apply throttle to shift gears. This change is intended to make gear selection more responsive during combat. For helicopter pilots, the update fixes a bug where co-pilots lost control if the pilot died, and it now correctly respects inversion settings for pitch axis on controller Layout B.

Stability and Server Improvements

Players on AMD hardware should see improved stability following a dedicated workaround included in this patch. The update also addresses several "soft lock" scenarios, including one triggered by bayonet charging into water and another related to tunnel travel.

For community server owners, Patch 1.3 resolves issues with VIP list retention after server resets and ensures the Map Shuffle feature correctly randomizes content. Other general fixes include better 3D positioning for audio cues like Garrisons and Outposts, as well as over 100 environmental fixes across the six launch maps, addressing issues like floating assets and clipping.

Players should ensure their game client is updated via Steam to access these changes. No manual configuration or account-level actions are required to apply these improvements.