You’d be forgiven for thinking that developer Expression Games might slow down updates for Hell Let Loose considering its Vietnam-based sequel is in the works. With development of the second title well under way and a 2026 release on the cards, many studios would divert most of their attention to the new game. That’s not the case for Expression, which has released patch 18 for its hit first-person shooter, and has plans to release patch 19 next month. Sticking to the present, though, a full map refresh for Stalingrad has arrived, as well as an armor rework, tank balancing, and a new commander ability that allows you to call down three artillery clusters on your enemy’s positions.
This patch is truly massive, proving that Hell Let Loose isn’t slowing down anytime soon. While its upcoming Vietnam sequel, featuring wildly differing faction mechanics, impressed during its preview, the original World War 2 title still has immense life left in it. Despite the sequel potentially being over a year away, its predecessor is building excitement rather than winding down. A video showcasing the update’s features was originally embedded here.
Let’s dive into Stalingrad. This iconic map, already brilliantly depicted in the game, has received significant attention to address common player concerns. Many grievances have been resolved with the addition of new trench systems, strategic cover, and alternative routes through key areas like the Nail Factory and Brewery. Beyond these specific points of interest, general adjustments to player spawns, map-wide cover, and destruction have been implemented, accompanied by a comprehensive VFX pass to enhance the gritty realism.
Realism remains the core of Hell Let Loose, and the new lighting updates elevate this experience. Battling through a truly dynamic city is now more immersive than ever, with scenes transitioning from bright, sunny mornings to overcast days, and from the low light of dusk to nights dramatically illuminated by raging fires in abandoned buildings. The game has never looked this good, and new skirmish scenarios in the Carriage Depot offer the perfect opportunity to experience these stunning visual enhancements.
As expected with a major update, numerous balance tweaks have been applied. Every light, medium, and heavy tank has undergone a thorough rebalancing as part of a broader armor rework. In a general sense, engine block health has been reduced while turret and hull health have seen an increase. However, each of the game’s 18 distinct vehicles boasts its own unique combination of buffs and nerfs, ensuring a fresh meta for tank warfare.
Beyond these extensive changes, several much-needed quality-of-life improvements have been integrated, alongside an exciting new commander ability: Artillery Strike. For a cost of 100 munitions, commanders can now call down up to three artillery clusters anywhere on the battlefield per turn. Future patches promise even more changes to the artillery meta, so keep an eye out for further explosive developments.
Hell Let Loose Update 18 is now live! This massive patch includes countless additional changes, in-depth descriptions, and hundreds of bug fixes. We highly recommend reviewing the full patch notes for all the details.
If these updates have you craving more intense, realistic combat, explore our curated lists for exceptional war games or dive deeper into the best World War 2 titles available on PC.
Are you planning to jump back into Hell Let Loose with this latest update? Share your thoughts and best tank-busting strategies with fellow players in our community discussions!