Hell Let Loose News

[p]We are excited to announce Smolensk, the newest map coming to Hell Let Loose in Update 19. This is will be our latest addition to the Eastern Front, taking players to Western Russia along the Dnieper River.[/p][p]Smolensk was created in direct response to community requests for more urban Eastern Front battlefields. It also happens to be the largest urban map in Hell Let Loose so far, offering a scale and intensity that sets it apart from anything we have released before.[/p][p]Please note: the Smolensk images shared below are in-engine renders. An upcoming Smolensk dev brief will feature the first in-game screenshots, offering a more accurate look at the map’s gameplay environment.[/p][p] [/p][p]Smolensk - Hell Let Loose In-Engine Render[/p][p][/p][h2]Historical setting[/h2][p]Set in 1943, Smolensk captures a pivotal moment in the Suvorov Operation, where Soviet forces launched a major offensive to retake the city from German control. Smolensk had previously fallen in 1941 during the early stages of Operation Barbarossa, the German Forces invasion of the Soviet Union.[/p][p]The battle depicted in our map took place between 7 August and 2 October 1943[/p][p]The Battle for Smolensk was a turning point in the war on the Eastern Front. Not only did it mark the beginning of the end for Germany’s plans to occupy the Soviet Union, it was also a critical victory for the Red Army. The city itself was a strategic objective, and its liberation helped split German forces from other battles including the Battle of the Dnieper, weakening their defensive hold across the region.[/p][p][/p][h2]What makes Smolensk unique?[/h2][p]When designing Smolensk, one of our key goals was to deliver variety in gameplay. The map blends several distinct environments, encouraging players to adapt their tactics as the battle shifts from one area to another.[/p][p]The northern sector places you in the city’s industrial core, filled with warehouses, train lines, and heavy structures that create opportunities for both close-quarters combat and armoured pushes. Heading further south, you enter the urban heart of Smolensk, where narrow streets and residential blocks set the stage for intense city fighting. Beyond the city, the map opens into rural terrain along the Dnieper River, with accessible bridges upriver allowing forces to cross between the banks.[/p][p]Together these contrasting environments create a battlefield that is as diverse as it is challenging.[/p][p][/p][h3]Map Rationale[/h3][p]What truly sets Smolensk apart is the way its features reshape how battles unfold. The train tracks and the Dnieper River both cut vertically through the map instead of running across it, creating new lanes of movement and forcing teams to think carefully about positioning and flanking.[/p][p]At the same time, the introduction of three-storey buildings, fortified walls, and an overpass brings vertical combat into sharper focus. Players will need to look up as often as they look ahead, with enemies able to position themselves in ways not seen before in Hell Let Loose.[/p][p][/p][h3]The City[/h3][p]At the core of the map lies the city centre of Smolensk. Players can expect a mix of intact and destroyed buildings, warehouses, and industrial areas woven into a network of crossroads. The urban setting offers both wide avenues ideal for vehicle combat and narrow side streets perfect for close-quarters infantry action. Tram tracks running through the city add another layer of atmosphere and tactical consideration.[/p][p][/p][p]Smolensk - Hell Let Loose In-Engine Render[/p][p][/p][h3]The River[/h3][p]The Dnieper River forms a natural barrier running through the southern part of the map. Unlike many rivers in Hell Let Loose, this one can be crossed on foot almost anywhere thanks to its shallow depth. Vehicles are also able to pass through the shallow river as well, whilst bridges and pontoons remain convenient crossing options. Tree lines and remnants of old city walls along the banks create excellent opportunities for ambushes, and the varied elevation around the river adds a vertical dimension to combat.[/p][p][/p][h3]The Train Station[/h3][p]Cutting across the map are train tracks, complete with a unique station building that will become a focal point of many engagements. The tracks run under road bridges and past warehouses, creating layered combat scenarios where infantry, armour, and artillery all play vital roles. Securing these positions can open up new flanking routes or deny the enemy critical movement options.[/p][p][/p][h2]When will the Second Battle of Smolensk commence[/h2][p]You’ll be able to experience Smolensk for yourself when Update 19 arrives in November. Alongside this new map, the update will introduce brand new armoured vehicles: Self-Propelled Artillery (SPAs). We will be sharing more about their role in the battlefield in a future Dev Brief, so make sure to follow our socials to stay up to date.[/p][p][/p][p]Smolensk - Hell Let Loose In-Engine Render[/p][p][/p][p]Before then, Update 18 will be launching across all platforms in early-October 2025. You can already catch a glimpse of what’s on the way through some of our recent Dev Briefs:[/p]

• [p]Dev Brief #206 | VFX Improvements | Stalingrad & Update 18[/p]
• [p]Dev Brief #207 | Armour Rework | Stalingrad & Update 18[/p]
• [p]BTS Early Look | Stalingrad Refresh | Update 18[/p]

[p]Thank you for reading, and we cannot wait to share more details about everything being included in our next update; the Update 18 Changelog. Stay tuned![/p][p]Refreshed Stalingrad Carriage Depot [/p][p] Refreshed Stalingrad Brewery[/p][p][/p][h2]Community Update[/h2][p]We hope you’ve been enjoying all of our recent announcement content for Hell Let Loose: Vietnam including our latest Community Q&A Livestream where the team answered your questions about the upcoming release.[/p][p]The excitement around this new game is just getting started, and we can’t wait to share more with you soon. Make sure you’re following us across our social channels to be among the first to hear the latest updates straight from the Vietnam team in the coming weeks.[/p][p]Stay tuned, and thank you for being part of the community.[/p][p][/p][h3]IronHeart Joins the War Correspondent Programme[/h3][p]We’re excited to introduce IronHeart, the newest member of our War Correspondent programme![/p][p]Whether you’re looking for action-packed gameplay compilations or in-depth breakdowns of the latest updates, IronHeart Gaming is set to become your new go-to destination for Hell Let Loose content.[/p][p]"I first jumped into Hell Let Loose in March 2020 and was hooked right away. It’s been my main game ever since. I love the teamwork, the chaos, but most of all I love the satisfying ding of a headshot." - IronHeart[/p][p]To celebrate, IronHeart is running a DLC giveaway on his channel! Subscribe to his YouTube channel and check out his Community Posts for details on how to enter.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Welcome to the front lines, IronHeart. We’re thrilled to have you with us![/p][p]Check out IronHeart Gaming today[/p][p][/p][p]If you’re interested in becoming a War Correspondent yourself, head over to the Community page on the Hell Let Loose website to learn more and find out how to apply.[/p][p][/p][h3]War Correspondents Content[/h3][p]As always, our War Correspondents have been on the battlefields of Europe and North-Africa creating some incredible content. Check out some of their latest releases below:[/p][p][/p][h3]IronHeart:[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]SoulSniper:[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]TheFreshBakedGoods[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]DasAltberg[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p]

[p]We are thrilled to announce our next chapter: Hell Let Loose: Vietnam.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p] [/p][p]Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is the first new entry in the Hell Let Loose franchise, transporting the series into the Vietnam War. It builds on everything that made our World War Two-based Hell Let Loose so popular, including large-scale 50 vs 50 battles, immersive realism, and deep strategic gameplay. This new title takes advantage of the change in setting to deliver fresh gameplay systems and new ways to fight. Expect era-specific weapons, environments, and challenges, from brutal jungle combat to tense tactical scenarios where success depends on coordination, strategy, and teamwork, reimagined for an entirely different battlefield.[/p][p]To find out more about Hell Let Loose: Vietnam please read our 'Introduction to Hell Let Loose: Vietnam' blog, and discover more about our newest title in the franchise.[/p][p]Find out more about Hell Let Loose: Vietnam[/p][p] [/p][p]We know this announcement will spark excitement for many as the franchise expands into a new conflict. For others, it may also raise concerns about the future of Hell Let Loose.[/p][p]Rest assured, the introduction of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam does not affect our ongoing development of Hell Let Loose. Team17 remains fully committed to the Hell Let Loose franchise.[/p][p]To deliver Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, Expression Games has built a second dedicated team, ensuring that we will be able to support both titles simultaneously. One game will not come at the expense of the other. Our focus is on maintaining and growing both experiences for the community.[/p][p]Running both games side by side also creates opportunities to share updates and improvements, enhancing each title. With the community continuing to support us, we will keep supporting both games.[/p][p]Looking ahead, there’s a huge amount of content still to come for Hell Let Loose before the end of 2025, and we are already hard at work on our next roadmap Hell Let Loose in 2026.[/p][p] [/p][h2]What is coming next to Hell Let Loose?[/h2][p]The next big milestone for Hell Let Loose will be Update 18, which delivers a large refresh of Stalingrad, major changes to the armour system, and much more.[/p][p]You can already catch a preview of what’s coming in our recent Dev Briefs:[/p]

• [p]Dev Brief #206 | VFX Improvements | Stalingrad & Update 18[/p]
• [p]Dev Brief #207 | Armour Rework | Stalingrad & Update 18[/p]
• [p]BTS Early Look | Stalingrad Refresh | Update 18[/p]

[p]Following that, Update 19 will introduce our next map, as well as the introduction of the Self-Propelled Artillery vehicle.[/p][p]SPAs will be the newest vehicle coming later this year[/p][p][/p][p]There’s so much to look forward to in Hell Let Loose, and we’re excited to experience it together with our community.[/p][p][/p][p]- Team 17 and Expression Games[/p][p] [/p][h2]FAQs[/h2][p]If you have questions about Hell Let Loose: Vietnam or what this means for Hell Let Loose, check out our FAQ page.[/p][p]We’ll keep it updated as new questions come in, so you’ll always have the latest information.[/p][p]See you on the front lines.[/p][p][/p][h2]Vietnam Q&A Livestream[/h2][p]This Friday, our community manager Ben, will be going live on the Hell Let Loose Official Twitch channel alongside Hell Let Loose: Vietnam developers Matt and Kieran to answer some of the most frequently asked questions from the community.[/p][p]If you have a question that you would like answered on stream, be sure to add them in the comments below, or head over to the Discord to submit your questions in the #hllv-livestream-qna channel. [/p][p]Be sure to add the livestream to your calendars, and get ready to meet some of our Hell Let Loose: Vietnam dev team.[/p]

• [p]Time: 9am PST | 12pm EST | 5pm BST | 6pm CEST[/p]
• [p]Date: Friday 22nd August[/p]

[p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p]Hello Everyone,[/p][p]Welcome back to our next Dev Brief. This time, we are diving into the upcoming changes to the Armour class, which will make their first appearance alongside the Stalingrad refresh in Update 18.[/p][p]This rework has been a much-requested feature from the community and something we have been eager to improve for quite some time. We are excited to finally share some details on what you can expect, and we hope to see many of you in our first Public Testing Environment (PTE) session for the updated Stalingrad on Friday 15th August.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Update 18 PTE - Friday 15th August[/h2][p]As mentioned in last week’s Dev Brief #206, this PTE will be focusing on Update 18. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us on the frontlines in Stalingrad.[/p][p]Friday 15th August: 8am PST | 11am EST | 4pm BST | 5pm CEST[/p][p]As normal with our PTE’s we have a feedback form and bugs reporting form for those who participate to complete. These will be linked at the bottom of the dev brief and we cannot wait to hear back from you about the upcoming changes. In particular we will be extremely interested to hear feedback on everything new coming to Stalingrad including new additions, performance, and more. We also are adding other changes such as the ability to pick up supplies, and of course what you came here to read about; Update 18’s Armour Rework.[/p][p]Known Issues[/p][p]You may experience some issues with the prone system during the PTE, including restrictive movement when prone. [/p][p]We're currently working on a rework for the prone system that currently causes issues such as: [/p]

• [p]Peoples legs popping through walls[/p]
• [p]Going under the map when bipoding on inclines [/p]
• [p]And other frustrating prone bugs[/p]

[p]What you will see is a work in progress version of the prone rework.[/p][p][/p][p]Stalingrad PTE takes place on Friday 15 August[/p][p][/p][h2]Future Games Show - Wednesday 20th August[/h2][p]Before we go into details on the upcoming armour rework, we must inform you that Hell Let Loose will be making an appearance at the Future Games Show starting at 11am PDT | 2pm EDT | 7pm BST | 8pm CEST. Don’t miss it![/p][h3]"The future of Hell Let Loose will be at the Future Games Show"[/h3][p]Hell Let Loose will be featured at the Future Games Show 2025[/p][p][/p][p]In reworking the Armour class, we set out to deliver a more balanced and immersive tank experience. The changes include a refined tank profile system, improved overall balancing, the brand-new ‘Tinkerer’ loadout, and deeper immersion for every member of the Tank squad.[/p][p][/p][p]A T-34 rolls into Stalingrad[/p][p][/p][h2]Tank Balancing[/h2][p]The first major element of this rework is a comprehensive overhaul of tank balancing. To enhance immersion, gameplay variety, and strategic decision-making, every tank in Update 18 has undergone an individual stat rework and balance pass. Our aims with these changes are to:[/p]

• [p]Emphasise the unique performance characteristics of each tank.[/p]
• [p]Encourage strategic diversity and highlight faction-based asymmetry, reflecting the nature of real-world historical warfare.[/p]
• [p]Reinforce the role of tanks as powerful, game-changing tools suited to a wide range of battlefield scenarios.[/p]
• [p]Improve the viability of Medium and Light Tanks, increasing their relevance and usage during matches. This change will complement the upcoming Heavy Tank Limitations, which we will cover later in this brief.[/p]

[p]The aim of these changes is to create a clearer, more strategic comparison between tanks by emphasising their unique strengths and weaknesses. This system encourages players to consider a tank’s specific combat role and capabilities, promoting more varied and tactical gameplay.[/p][p]By breaking down stats for example into three distinct, adjustable stat groups, we can better balance the tanks and provide players with meaningful choices based on their preferred playstyle and battlefield needs.[/p][p]One of these stat groups focuses on a tank’s offensive capabilities. Each tank will now have specific stats assigned to its weapons, including muzzle velocity, shell drop-off distance, reload time, damage output for both armor-piercing (AP) and high-explosive (HE) shells, turret speed, depression and elevation angles, and the power of its coaxial machine guns.[/p][p][/p][p]Light and medium tanks will have their viability increased in Update 18[/p][p][/p][h2]Other Tank Changes[/h2][p]In addition to stat balancing, we are also updating and refining the following systems:[/p][p][/p][h3]Tank Traversal[/h3][p]We are also improving how tanks interact with their environment. This includes enhancements to hit detection, the impact on objects, and most notably, better traversal over trenches. These changes aim to create a smoother and more immersive experience when navigating the battlefield.[/p][p][/p][h3]Condition-Specific Behaviour [/h3][p]Another major addition in this update is the introduction of condition-specific behaviour for tanks. Tanks will now respond dynamically to the surface they are driving on, with performance changing depending on terrain types such as muddy ground, urban streets, or open fields.[/p][p]We are excited to see the tactics that emerge as Tank Commanders choose between the speed advantage of staying on roads or the element of surprise that comes with slower, off-road movement.[/p][p]In addition to tanks reacting more dynamically to terrain, players will now have the ability to adapt their vehicles mid-match through Tank alterations using the new ‘Tinkerer’ tool.[/p][p][/p][p]Condition-specific behaviour will impact all tanks in Update 18[/p][p][/p][h2]Tinkerer Loadout (Work in Progress Title)[/h2][p]We are introducing a new interactive match mechanic that gives the Armour class, specifically the Crewman, access to a powerful new tool at higher levels: the Tinkerer Loadout (Work in Progress Title).[/p][p]To Tinker means to augment an existing trait of a tank, allowing the crew to adapt or improve its performance based on the needs of the Tank Commander. This mechanic empowers armour squads to respond to:[/p]

• [p]Map-specific challenges[/p]
• [p]The current match state[/p]
• [p]Enemy behavior or gathered intel[/p]

[p]The Tinkerer system supports a more dynamic and adaptive tank experience, where tanks are no longer locked into a fixed stat loadout for the entire match. Instead, crews can make real-time adjustments, enabling more strategic decision-making and greater battlefield flexibility.[/p][p]Below are some examples of potential Tinker types and their effects and trade-offs:[/p][h3]Mobility Upgrade[/h3][p]With this upgrade, you will remove the heavy loads or armour to improve mobility. This will increase acceleration and faster turning speed, however in turn the tank will have decreased deceleration along with reduced armour and health.[/p][h3]Turret Tuning[/h3][p]Tuning the electronics or hydraulic systems will allow for faster turret movement including rotation speed and damage. By enacting this Tinker however you will trade speed for slower reload times and potential jamming, as the increased speed is temporary.[/p][h3]Armour Bracing[/h3][p]If you are under heavy fire, you may feel that applying additional armour or reinforcing existing armour plating will be your best move. In this approach you will gain increased armour on the front, side, or rear of the tank, however will give up on you speed with a decrease in top speed as well as slower turning. [/p][p][/p][p]Panzer IV surveys the battlefield[/p][h2] [/h2][h2]Heavy Tank Limitations[/h2][p]Rather than balancing all tanks into a uniform meta to match the power of Heavy Tanks, we are embracing their role as the strongest, but rarest and most impactful assets on the battlefield. In Update 18, Heavy Tanks are intended to be high-impact, game-changing power plays rather than early-game tools.[/p][p]To achieve this, we will be increasing the cooldown period for spawning a Heavy Tank, with the timer now beginning only after the vehicle has been destroyed rather than when it is first deployed. In addition, the number of Heavy Tanks available in a match will be capped at two active units at any given time. We will closely monitor community feedback after release to determine whether this limit should remain in place or be adjusted in future updates.[/p][p][/p][p]The Panther and other heavy tanks will see limitations in Update 18[/p][p] [/p][h2]Immersion Improvements[/h2][p]Alongside numerous mechanical changes and updates, we are exploring ways to enhance immersion as part of the Armour Rework.[/p][p]As a deliverable for Update 18, we aim to update tank audio dynamically based on various factors, including the map currently being played. This will create a more immersive experience and requires close collaboration with the Audio team.[/p][p]Keep your ears open when the update launches later in the year![/p][p][/p][p]M4A3E2 76mm Sherman ready for a fight[/p][p][/p][p]Alongside all the updates to Stalingrad, as well as our extensive Armour upgrades, we are also adding a host of other features and changes to Update 18. We cannot wait to get your feedback on the following in this week’s PTE:[/p][p][/p][h2]New Feature: Picking up Supplies (Support Role)[/h2][p]Players who are playing as the Support role can now pick up and redistribute their supply box should they wish to be relocated. Once a supply box is placed down and the cooldown has started, the player can interact with the box to resupply them back into their inventory. The cooldown the supply box will also be reset.[/p][p]Note:[/p]

• [p]Only the player who placed down the supply box can pick them back up[/p]
• [p]Other team members cannot pick up friendly supply boxes[/p]
• [p]The supply box cannot be picked up if any of the supplies have been used (subject to change)[/p]
• [p]This does not affect Commander supply drops or Supply Truck drops[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p] [/p][p]As always, please send your PTE feedback via the below forms:[/p][h3]Feedback Form[/h3][h3]Bug Reports Form[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Something new is rolling onto the battlefield later this year... [/p][p][/p][p]Introducing the Self-Propelled Artillery vehicle. Think of this new vehicle type as artillery on wheels, this is also just the first step towards the overall artillery rework coming to Hell Let Loose in 2025 which will allow squads of two to take the functionality of artillery and move it around the battlefield relatively freely.[/p][p]SPAs will be the newest vehicle coming later this year
[/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone, Ben back with some community updates. The first is regarding our PTE this weekend! [/p][p][/p][h2]War Correspondent Takeover Livestream - Friday 15th August 2025[/h2][p]Our incredible War Correspondents will be taking over our Hell Let Loose Official Twitch on Friday.[/p][p]As the PTE kicks off at on Friday 15th August at 8am PST | 11am EST | 4pm BST | 5pm CEST, DasAltberg will be live with a livestream, admin-camming around the map and showing off everything new coming to Stalingrad.[/p][p]Then at 2pm PST | 5pm EST | 10pm BST | 11pm CEST, RazBora and TheFreshBakedGoods will be diving deep into the armour rework with some tank gameplay![/p][p]Be sure to join the lobbies, tune into stream, and enjoy what’s coming in our new update.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h2]Best of the Community - Episode 4 - VOD[/h2][p]Last week I was joined by the incredible SoulSniper as my co-host for Episode 4 of our Best of the Community series. If you missed the stream, there is no need to worry as the full VOD is now up on our YouTube channel![/p][p]Make sure you don't miss out on any future streams by following the Hell Let Loose Official Twitch channel. [/p][p]If you would like to be featured in future episodes, be sure to submit your videos, artwork, or clips via our  Discord at https://discord.gg/HellLetLoose[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]War Correspondents Content[/h2][h3]Razbora:[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]TheFreshBakedGoods[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]DasAltberg[/h3][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][h3]"The future of Hell Let Loose will be at the Future Games Show"[/h3]

• [p]Wednesday 20th August[/p]
• [p]11am PDT | 2pm EST | 7pm BST | 8pm CEST[/p]

[p]Don’t miss it![/p][p][/p][p]https://www.futuregamesshow.com/[/p][p][/p][p]#HellLetLoose #FutureGamesShow[/p]

[p][/p][p]Hello Everyone,[/p][p]We’re excited to share more behind the scenes information from our upcoming update. In this Dev Brief, we’re taking a look at the work our Technical Art team has been doing to improve Visual Effects (VFX), particularly in the newly refreshed Stalingrad map, as well as some updates across our legacy maps.[/p][p][/p][p]Before we jump into some of the incredible work from the Technical Art team, we have an exciting announcement to share.[/p][p]Our first Public Testing Environment (PTE) for the new and improved Stalingrad will be taking place on Friday 15th August.[/p][p]Unlike previous PTEs, this session will run over a much shorter timeframe. Rather than spanning an entire weekend, we’ll be hosting a special extended play session. You may even see some of our dev team in the session as well, so mark your calendars and make sure you’re among the first to experience the refreshed Stalingrad firsthand![/p][p]Follow our socials so that you know when the event kicks off![/p][p]Stalingrad PTE will take place on Friday 15 August[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h2]Ambient VFX[/h2][p]One of the key changes our Technical Art team has implemented is the addition of new ambient VFX volumes to the Stalingrad map. These have been carefully tuned alongside existing volumetric fog settings to create a more cohesive blend with the updated lighting.[/p][p]Work is also ongoing on a fire pass for the POI building in Stalingrad. Additional lighting has been placed using mesh distance field shadows on point lights, creating dramatic effects without increasing shadow cost.[/p][p]Ambient VFX Improvements[/p][p] [/p][h2]Lighting [/h2][p]Stalingrad is getting a refreshed look with significant improvements to lighting and exposure, as well as giving Stalingrad a much more dramatic skybox. Volumetric fog has also been enabled for use with the ambient VFX volumes adding to a more atmospheric smoggy look.[/p]

• [p]Directional light colours and intensity tuned[/p]
• [p]Skybox tuned to add more drama without blowing out the highlights (requiring an update to the skybox material to add more control)[/p]
• [p]HDRI lighting updated to better match the new skybox[/p]
• [p]Post processing to reduce the warmth and to add some contrast to counter the flatness sometimes experienced with a more overcast map[/p]

[p]Lighting Tuned for Updated Skybox[/p][p] [/p][p]The Technical Art team has been updating the lighting scenarios for the Russian and German Offensive and Skirmish levels. We’re actively collaborating with Art Direction and Level Design teams to finalise these scenarios. As always, we’d love to hear your feedback on which versions you like the look of.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Stalingrad - Morning[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Stalingrad - Dusk[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Stalingrad - Overcast[/p][p] [/p][h2]Vehicle Explosion VFX (WORK IN PROGRESS)[/h2][p]As outlined in our roadmap earlier this year, we’re working on delivering much-needed improvements to our vehicle explosion VFX. Our Technical Art team has begun prototyping enhanced and more varied explosion effects to bring greater visual impact and realism to the battlefield.[/p][p]Please note that this is still a Work in Progress (WIP) and will continue to be developed before being introduced into the live game. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes video from the team, showcasing what they’ve been working on so far.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]WIP Vehicle Explosion VFX[/p][p][/p][h2]Weather Manager[/h2][p]The Technical Art team have been investigating ways to introduce localised fog to add more ambience and atmosphere to Stalingrad. This has led the Technical Art team to continue developing the new fog volume tool for adding localised fog, smoke and smog.[/p][p]This tool will be expanded to use a variety of VFX, such as embers and fire particles to support additional features that will be seen in future maps.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Stalingrad[/h3][p]Along with changes to lighting and VFX, we will also be adding our weather manager to the Stalingrad refresh.[/p][p]Using our sandstorm setting created for Tobruk, we have adapted this to create dynamic fog and dust that will roll across the map throughout the battle duration.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Dynamic Fog and Dust added to Stalingrad[/p][p] [/p][h3]Legacy Maps[/h3][p]The weather manager will also continue to be rolled out to more of the legacy maps, which will now include Carentan. The lighting for this weather scenario has also been updated to better match the weather type.[/p][p]Dynamic rain is now enabled for the following maps:[/p]

• [p]Carentan Offensive US[/p]
• [p]Carentan Offensive GER[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Dynamic Rain added to Carentan Offensive Modes[/p][p] [/p][p]Lighting Update to Match the Updated Weather Manager[/p][p] [/p][p]We hope you’ve enjoyed this look behind the scenes at the VFX and lighting improvements coming in Update 18. Our Technical Art team is hard at work, and we can’t wait to show you more in the near future.[/p][p]Stay tuned, and as always, we appreciate your continued support and feedback.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone, Ben back with some community updates.[/p][p][/p][h2]'Best of the Community' Livestream - Thursday 7th August 2025[/h2][p]We will be returning with Episode #4 of our Best of the Community this week on Thursday 7th August 2025 on the Hell Let Loose Official Twitch channel. This episode we will be joined by the incredible  SoulSniper as our co-host, and we cannot wait to watch some more phenomenal clips from the community.[/p][p][/p][p]If you missed any of the previous episodes, include our June show with co-host TheFreshBakedGoods, be sure to head over to our YouTube where you can find full VODs as well as clips from some of the previous “Best of Winners”.[/p][p][/p][p]Hell Let Loose YouTube Channel - Best of the Community[/p][p][/p][h2]War Correspondents[/h2][p]With Patch 17.1 dropping last month, our War Correspondents have been out on the frontlines creating some epic content for us all to watch. Be sure to check out some of their recent stuff via the links below:[/p][p][/p][h3]Gebatron[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Razbora:[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]TheFreshBakedGoods[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]SoulSniper[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]DasAltberg[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]