Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Factions Guide — US vs NVA
A complete guide to the two sides of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. How the United States, the NVA and the Viet Cong play differently, their strengths and weaknesses, and which to choose.
The defining feature of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is asymmetry. The two sides don’t just look different — they fight in fundamentally different ways. This guide breaks down both so you can pick the one that suits you.
United States Armed Forces
The US side is built around mobility and firepower. Its signature tool is the helicopter: operational Hueys let the Americans insert squads almost anywhere, turning the whole map into reachable ground. Backed by heavier weapons and armour, the US wins by being faster and louder than the enemy.
- Strengths: air mobility, supporting fire, the ability to project force fast.
- Weaknesses: conspicuous and predictable if careless; helicopters are powerful but vulnerable.
- Play it if: you like setting the tempo, flying, and aggressive coordinated pushes.
North Vietnam: the NVA and Viet Cong
The communist side combines the regular NVA with Viet Cong irregulars. Its signature tool is the tunnel network: the ability to move unseen, ambush, and vanish before a counter-attack. North Vietnam wins through concealment, patience and ground knowledge, making the enemy fight on its terms.
- Strengths: ambush, concealment, repositioning unseen, strong on defence.
- Weaknesses: less raw firepower and above-ground mobility than the US.
- Play it if: you like patience, traps, and outsmarting a stronger-looking foe.
How the matchup plays
Think of it as the side that flies versus the side that hides. The US moves over the battlefield; North Vietnam moves through and under it. A good match is a constant cat-and-mouse: American air assaults probing for an opening, North Vietnamese ambushes punishing every mistake.
Whichever you choose, the Hell Let Loose rule holds — teamwork and communication decide the fight. New to the game? Start with the beginner’s guide.
Frequently asked questions
What factions are in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?
The United States Armed Forces versus the North Vietnamese — the regular North Vietnamese Army (NVA) supported by Viet Cong (VC) guerrillas.
Which faction should I play?
Play the US if you like mobility, firepower and helicopters. Play North Vietnam if you prefer concealment, ambush and the tunnel game. Both reward teamwork.