


The size of the maps demands you build Outposts or Garrisons in order to make any real headway, a steadfast rule that applies to all nine maps offered in Hell Let Loose. Having these scattered about the map makes later-game spawns a helluva lot more forgiving in terms of walking, but if the enemies take them over, you'll be forced to use one of the start spawns and jog all the way back to the action. Instead, certain classes have the ability to use a watch to build Outposts and Garrisons. Unlike in tried and true milsim titles, you won't need to physically bring supplies to a spot in order to build these things. You may not be able to spawn on your teammate, but you can spawn at Outposts or Garrisons you and your squad members place (or in the case of Garrisons, build up) around the map. This aspect certainly feels like real war, and when I play in the pitch black with my headphones on, I can feel a slight tension in my gut everytime I cross an open field, wondering if I'll end up with a bullet through my spleen. If WW2 had Apple Watches, I'd have exceeded my step goals 10 times over. But unlike Battlefield, you can't respawn on your squadmates when you bite it, so most of my first few hours playing Hell Let Loose are spent walking. Hell Let Loose is like a giant, slow-paced game of Battlefield's Rush mode, with one team pushing to take over zones while the other team defends those zones. I didn't really find many variations in the weapon selection – although that could be because I haven't leveled up much during my time with it so far. Too soon and you'll give away your position to a sniper hiding in the brush, too late and you'll be bleeding out before you can call for help on the proximity voice channel. Hell Let Loose demands precision, and tasks you with the difficult decision of deciding when to pull the trigger. This isn't a spray and pray type of game, where you can just let loose a barrage of bullets into a room and hit your target. Hell Let Loose's weapons have realistic recoil, which means they're a helluva lot harder to control than your standard Warzone LMG or Battlefield 2042 assault rifle – and for good reason. Such is the reason why I repeatedly and frustratingly die in my first match and do absolutely no damage to any enemies. Hopping into a game without reading the field manual is like going to real war without any training – you'll be an early casualty. The field manual will teach you about Hell Let Loose's 14 different roles (including Rifleman, Medic, Spotter, Sniper, and Commander), the maps' many icons, and offer up some helpful tactics tips.

I'd advise any Hell Let Loose newcomers to spend some time reading the game's field manual before dropping into a match.
