Hell Let Loose News

Correction: The article originally indicated that Hell Let Loose was developed by Black Matter. After acquiring the assets in January 2022, Team17 became the active developer...
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Hey everyone,

It’s been a little over a week since Update 14 was released and we’ve been busy digesting the feedback on your experiences across all of the various channels. We’re grateful to see so many of you enjoying the evolving gameplay, however, we understand the recent update may have presented some challenges and frustrations for some players. We appreciate the constructive feedback and bug reporting and are dedicating resources to releasing a fix for many of the issues, which is planned for June 22nd. A full list of the fixes will be shared after our investigation period and closer to the release.

The recent update has invigorated conversation in all channels, and we love to see the passion players display for Hell Let Loose. We value your feedback and want to hear from you, but more importantly, we’ve always admired how thoughtful and constructive this community is compared to others in the space.

Game development can be complicated at times, and adding features or updating elements requires careful balancing. We have dedicated departments focusing on different disciplines, working together to build the best experience possible. We are able to work simultaneously across the various aspects of the game, from code and design to animation and marketing, however, balancing new features and changes takes time and precision.

It’s understandable that locomotion or animation changes can have a polarizing effect on players, but we ask the community to keep this passion constructive. Focusing our energy on making sure a soldier can’t outrun a tank in 4th gear, or another can’t dolphin-dive across the map giving them an unfair advantage, makes the experience better for everyone (although, we have found the memes to be quite funny).

As a studio, we are building new partnerships with history and weapons experts whose knowledge will undoubtedly make this game better and more true to the set and setting. Hell Let Loose is special because of its core gameplay mechanics and we have no intention of changing that or making this look like any other FPS title on the market. Change is inevitable, but not to the point where it affects the core principles of Hell Let Loose - a strategic, communicative, cooperative, and immersive WWII experience.

As we travel together on this journey, remember to communicate well with one another. We are all compatriots on the battlefield, and while we might have different preferences, we all share the same love for Hell Let Loose!

[h2]Known Issues Post U14[/h2]

While it is never our intention to release updates with issues, we’re not going to get this right all the time. With Update 14 being our second update in as many months, we are only just beginning to get into a rhythm with our releases.

Thank you to everyone who has reported new bugs - we are now aiming to investigate many of the known issues in order to provide fixes in a patch to be released later this month.

Being Investigated:

Holding Tab and Movement
A bug is currently preventing players from moving when holding tab to view the scoreboard. We believe this to be the result of a fix submitted with U14 for preventing a particular exploit.

Holding F Actions
In relation to the above bug, players are currently unable to carry out actions using the ‘F’ key while the map is open.

XP Rewarding
Incorrect XP amounts are being rewarded at the end of a game, this is a bug that the team are looking into!

Server Filter Bug
When typing a server name in the Server Filter box on PC, a bug is causing the box to deselect after each character, making it difficult to type out and search for a server name.

Looping Breathing Audio
While sprinting, some players may hear the breathing audio overlapping itself.

British Weaponry Calibration
We have received reports of some British weapons feeling incorrectly zeroed.

Invisible Barrier on Driel
Invisible collision under the bridge on Driel has been reported, which is incorrectly
preventing players from shooting, or driving vehicles through the space.

Inverted Controls
A bug is affecting a number of gunner scopes, causing the vertical movement controls to
be inverted.

Increased Weapon Sway
We’ve seen reports of some British weapons being affected by excessive weapon sway,
which is making it difficult for players to track enemies within their sights.

Inconsistent Hangar Collision
When attempting to place an airhead on any hangar of the El Alamein map, the
asset will clip through the roof and will be dropped on the hangar's floor.
The issue is not occurring for Bombing Run, Supply Drop, Ammo Drop, Strafing Run,
and Precision Strike.

Dive to Prone Exploit
Players are able to use the dive to prone mechanic in quick succession in order to cover ground faster and avoid conflict.

Incorrect Amount of Votes to Kick
On Console, the new vote to kick feature is currently requesting 29 votes, rather than 20,
in order to successfully kick a player


Other Issues:

Panther Misspelled on XP Screen
This typo snuck through as ‘Pather’ and is present on the XP screen.

Weapon Naming
We are aware of incorrect weapon naming being used and will be looking into this.

Incorrect Map Loading Screen Dates
The battle dates present on the loading screens for Driel and El Alamein are switched.

[h2]Summer Warfare DLC[/h2]

We’ve heard your requests and are pleased to announce that the Summer Warfare DLC will be available across all platform storefronts this summer!

Back by popular demand and for the first time for Console players, this free DLC will include the US M1943 Combat Uniform and will be available for a limited time for all roles (except Armor and Commander) at level Role Level 7.



[h2]Community Content[/h2]

We have really enjoyed checking out your screenshots, videos, and artwork around the latest update, here are some of our favorites!

“What are you looking at?” By MoscaTnT.

Returning with their 98th Hell Let Loose cartoon, MoscaTnT has created this fantastic illustration of a soldier having a very friendly conversation with a camel in El Alamein!

If you like it as much as we do, buy MoscaTnT a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/moscatnt and check out the full Hell Let Loose cartoon compilation by clicking here.

A heavenly advantage point, El Alamein, by [fll.fi] dea.

British Soldiers making their preparations, by [233C] NaSTaR.

A sky on fire, Driel, by McPaper.

[h2]War Correspondent, Content Creator, and Community HLL Videos[/h2]

The Fresh Baked Goods demonstrates exactly how to use the new British Recon Tank in Update 14:
https://youtu.be/JUsoKl5k2EI

If you’re wondering what it’s like to pick up the Sniper role on El Alamein, here’s SoulSniper and Scotty to show you how it’s done:
https://youtu.be/UwtdlJi_E-k

Right place, right time! Velma_IRL gets in target practice on Driel:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CJ5ME249tQI



Join the Discord here https://discord.gg/hellletloose


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HellLetLoose/

Twitter https://twitter.com/hell_let_loose

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/HellLetLoose

Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HellLetLoose/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hellletlooseofficial/

Steam http://steamcommunity.com/groups/HellLetLoose


It doesn’t stop with Update 14, so make sure to head over to PC Gamer on Twitch on Sunday 11th of June, where you’ll be able to watch the reveal trailer for Update 15. See you all on the frontline!

Hey everyone,

We’re pleased to announce that Update 14 is now live! Take to the battlefield with two brand new maps, deploy in as the British Forces with new weapons and vehicles, and try out the new non-verbal communication tools and updates to locomotion.

For a breakdown of the new features, plus quality of life improvements and bug fixing, please see the changelog below.



[h2]Update 14 Changelog[/h2]

New Faction

• Great Britain
  

New Great Britain Uniforms

• Rubberized Macintosh Raincoat
  
• P-37 Battledress
  

New Cosmetics

Free DLC - Jericho Cap

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2401900

Paid DLC - Calvary Coat

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2401901

New Weapons

• Lanchester MK1
  
• Sten Gun
  
• Bren MK2
  
• Lee-Enfield Pattern 1914
  
• Lewis Gun
  
• PIAT
  
• Rifle No.4 MK1
  
• Rifle No.5 MK1
  
• Webley MK VI
  
• Fairbairn Sykes Knife
  
• AP MK2
  
• AT MKV
  
• Boys Rifle
  
• Flamethrower Life Buoy
  
• Mills Bomb No.36
  
• No.77 Smoke Grenade
  
• No.2 MK5
  

Artillery

• 6 Pounder
  
• 25 Pounder
  

New Vehicles

• Sherman Firefly
  
• Cromwell
  
• Tetrarch
  
• Daimler
  
• Bedford Supply Truck
  
• Bedford Transport Truck
  

New Maps

• Driel - Driel offers intense combat where players will need to apply a tactical approach to securing territory and traversing the small villages and farmland.
  
• El Alamein - With structures few and far between, players will need to work together to cover their six.
  

New Achievements

• Not The End - Play 50 Matches on El Alamein
  
• Cross the Nederrijn - Play 50 matches on Driel
  

HUD/UI

• [Fixed] Some players 500m away could disappear from the tactical map
  
• [Fixed] Smoke grenade FX popping in and out rapidly
  
• Reworked Text Based Tutorials - updated in the Field Manual
  
• V0.1 Video Tutorials - short gif-style videos to support Field Manual text
  
• Vote to Kick Added for Console - allowing players to now vote to kick other players for Abuse, Cheating, or Team Killing
  
• Improvements to the XP Screen - a new breakdown of how XP is awarded will help players better understand how to alter their play style to maximize the XP they earn
  
• Point-and-Ping - Developing on the existing ping feature, allowing players to highlight the location of ammo, explosive ammo, and supply boxes to other players in their platoon
  
• Non-Verbal Communication Tool - Radial Wheel - Implemented to help support players who may not have access to a microphone or are able to use one
  

While this new tool is not designed to be used by Squad Leaders or Commanders, it does offer other players a new way to supplement communication - categorizing the four most essential comms:

• Requests
  
• Responses
  
• Information
  
• Actions
  

Optimization

• Performance improvements to a range of maps
  
• Further HLOD fixes to address transition issues
  
• Pass over meshes to remove excessive triangle counts, additional UV sets, reverse buffer index and build adjacency enabled
  

Effects & Lighting

• Increased exposure in Barracks
  

Audio

• [Fixed] M1 Garand Reload Audio
  
• Aim Down Sights foley SFX added for all weapons
  
• Water surface SFX added for shallow and very deep water
  

Animation/Locomotion Improvements

• Crouch Sprint Speed Increased 5%: 393.75 float
  
• Standing Sprint Speed Increased 15%: 517.5 float
  
• Introduced Dive to prone
  
• Introduced Step height improvements
  
• Introduced Run & Sprint updates
  
• [Fixed] Fully reloading specific rifles causing the animation to loop
  
• [Fixed] Mosin Nagant 91/30 bolt resets during partial reload
  
• [Fixed] During any reload Karabiner 98k rifle bolt briefly resets
  
• [Fixed] During full reload Karabiner 98k rifle bolt becomes desynced with hands
  
• [Fixed] Karabiner 98k magazine misaligned from hand during full reload
  
• [Fixed] Players T-Posing after using melee immediately after bracing a Machine Gun
  
• [Fixed] [TPP] Players T-Posing after using melee when equipped with the Flamethrower
  
• [Fixed] Weapons with multiple animation issues when Crouch Sprinting
  
• [Fixed] [TPP] No leaning animation observed when the FG42 or FG42 x4 is used
  
• [Fixed] [TPP] No leaning animation observed when Russian Revive is used
  

VoIP

• Fixed an issue where if a user got disconnected from a VoIP session, there was a high probability that they would fail to reconnect. This should resolve a large number of issues whereby a player loses voice chat functionality
  

Map Rotation

• Improved map randomization to ensure even distribution of different game modes for both PC and console
  
• Map rotation will be limited on console and official PC servers for the first week after Update 14 to make the new maps more accessible
  

Limited Map Rotation Includes:

• El Alamein Offensive (GB)
  
• Sainte-Mère-Église Warfare
  
• Omaha Beach Offensive (US)
  
• Driel Warfare
  
• Hürtgen Forest Offensive (GER)
  
• Carentan Warfare
  
• El Alamein Warfare
  
• Kursk Offensive (SOV)
  
• Utah Beach Offensive (GER)
  
• St Marie Du Mont Warfare
  
• Driel Offensive (GB)
  
• Foy Warfare Night
  
• Hill 400 Warfare
  
• Kharkov Offensive (SOV)
  
• El Alamein Offensive (GER)
  
• Hürtgen Forest Warfare
  
• Omaha Beach Warfare
  
• Carentan Offensive (US)
  
• Driel Offensive (GER)
  
• Sainte-Mère-Église Warfare
  

Match Analytics (Backend)

• Servers will now log each match with information about what map and mode it is, along with a list of players that started the match
  

Server Administration
New Commands:

• List Current Map Sequence
  
• Query Map Shuffle
  
• Toggle Map Shuffle
  

Vehicle Bug Fixes

• [Fixed] Jeep wheels with incorrect damage reduction value
  

General Bug Fixing

• [Fixed] Players auto-running by jumping during the start of the Sprint to prone function
  
• [Fixed] Dismantling speed for constructible objects able to be artificially increased
  
• [Fixed] Battle Scarred DLC Uniforms not present for Recon classes
  

[h2]Map Optimizations[/h2]

Carentan

[Fixed] Noticeable LOD changes at a short viewing distance in multiple locations
[Fixed] Station building asset with LOD distance issues
[Fixed] Wooden lamppost with metal SFX and PFX when shot at, and no bullet penetration
[Fixed] [E6] Bench clipping sandbags
[Fixed] [F3] Metal Barrels with sand SFX and PFX
[Fixed] [F4] Pipe with noticeable LOD transition at a short viewing distance
[Fixed] [F6] Tree with unusual texture movement
[Fixed] [F7] Wooden boxes missing collision
[Fixed] [H5 & H6] Railway track with visible LOD changes
[Fixed] [I8] Misaligned riverbank terrain
[Fixed] [J6] Misaligned mudbank present above stone wall
[Fixed] [J6] Misaligned stone wall


Foy

[Fixed] Burning house column causing damage to players when stood underneath
[Fixed] Trench with LOD issues
[Fixed] Barbed wire fence with LOD issues throughout the map
[Fixed] Canvas-covered barrel and tires with LOD issues at 10m
[Fixed] Dirt piles with LOD issues in multiple sectors
[Fixed] Fallen tree clipping through a standing tree
[Fixed] Log pile assets with incorrect penetration value
[Fixed] Multiple dirt assets with LOD issues
[Fixed] Multiple log assets with LOD issues
[Fixed] Multiple log assets missing bullet or player collision
[Fixed] Multiple misaligned fences around map
[Fixed] Multiple sandbag assets with LOD issues
[Fixed] Noticeable LOD change on Stone Fence asset
[Fixed] Player able to climb several trees while exhibiting an odd animation from another observer's view
[Fixed] Red Barn LOD distance issue present throughout map
[Fixed] Sandbags clipping through wooden wall of trenches
[Fixed] Silo concrete bases with an overly large collision box
[Fixed] Snow-covered roofs of houses with LOD transition issues
[Fixed] Snow-covered trees with LOD issues at 35m
[Fixed] Snow clipping through ammo crate
[Fixed] Trench sandbags with LOD transition issues
[Fixed] There is a barn asset with LoD transition issues
[Fixed] Leafy branch asset with LOD transition issues
[Fixed] Wooden branch missing bullet/player collision present throughout map
[Fixed] Z-fighting present on wooden pallets throughout map
[Fixed] [C10] Tree clipping through a wooden fence
[Fixed] [C10] Misaligned terrain
[Fixed] [C6] Misaligned sandbag
[Fixed] [C6] LOD issue present on multiple sandbags at about 11m
[Fixed] [D1] Wood fence clipping through the side of the house
[Fixed] [D3] Building with multiple clipping issues
[Fixed] [D3] Tree clipping through a covered pallet stack
[Fixed] [D3] Misaligned trench mud border
[Fixed] [D3] Wood fence clipping through multiple assets
[Fixed] [D6] Fence in misalignment with the environment
[Fixed] [D7] Pile of shells witht LOD transition issues when going between distances of ~57-60m
[Fixed] [D8] Tree clipping through a boulder
[Fixed] [D8] Misaligned mud terrain
[Fixed] [E3] Milk barrel and wooden pallet clipping with a pile rubble
[Fixed] [E4] LOD issue observed on the searchlight asset
[Fixed] [E4] Shutters on a building present poor LOD transitions
[Fixed] [E7] Brick pile with LOD issues when going between the distance of 30-35m~
[Fixed] [F1] Tree clipping into house
[Fixed] [F1] Misaligned mudbank
[Fixed] [F1] Tree clipping through a covered box
[Fixed] [F1] Misaligned fallen tree
[Fixed] [F2] Stone wall misaligned with the terrain
[Fixed] [F8] Stone pile presenting LOD issues
[Fixed] [F9] Misaligned tree trunk
[Fixed] [F9] Trees clipping through other tree models
[Fixed] [G2] Tree clipping through stone fence
[Fixed] [G2] Trench with multiple misalignment issues
[Fixed] [G2] Terrain misaligned with the dirt border of a trench
[Fixed] [G7] Tree clipping a stone fence
[Fixed] Sapling clipping through a pile of dirty snow
[Fixed] [H3] Wooden logs clipping through rocks
[Fixed] [H4] Tree clipping through fence
[Fixed] [H5] Wooden barrel clipping through ground
[Fixed] [H5] Well asset with dirt PFX and SFX
[Fixed] [H6] Canister with a vehicle collision model
[Fixed] [H6] [E4] Destroyed US Jeep covered with snow presenting LOD transition issue
[Fixed] [H7] Grass patch clipping through a cow
[Fixed] [H7] Wooden Pallets asset with LOD transition issue
[Fixed] [H9] LOD transition issue with a terrain asset at about 50m
[Fixed] [H10] Tree stump clipping through wooden planks

Hill 400

[Fixed] Noticeable LOD issue visible for multiple vegetable patches
[Fixed] Stone house asset with LOD transition issues on specific wooden windows
[Fixed] LOD transition issue with multiple barbed wire assets
[Fixed] Wrecked Half-Track presenting incorrect PFX and SFX
[Fixed] LOD transition issue with mudbanks
[Fixed] Wooden crates asset present inside a house produce concrete VFX.
[Fixed] [A6] Floating dirt mound can be seen in garden plot.
[Fixed] [B8] Artillery shells have wood SFX/PFX
[Fixed] [C7] There is an LOD transition issue regarding the lobster traps.
[Fixed] [D7] A barrel asset found in sector D7 is floating.
[Fixed] [G6] The rock found in sector G6 is misaligned with the ground.
[Fixed] [I4] The supporting piles of a wooden bridge are missing player collision.

Hürtgen Forest

[Fixed] Stretching noticed on certain bush model
[Fixed] Multiple invisible collision issues across map
[Fixed] [B3] House wall presenting dirt PFX/SFX when shot
[Fixed] [D6] Misaligned wooden crate
[Fixed] [G6] Lamp seen clipping through an open gate
[Fixed] [J6] Floating artillery gun and ammo shells on Hurtgen Offensive US

Kharkov
[Fixed] Two of the forward Garrisons are incorrectly placed and will be destroyed after the Attackers capture the 1st sector
[Fixed] Canopy roofs with stone PFX when shot
[Fixed] Some snow-covered assets presenting stone SFX & PFX
[Fixed] Wooden Stairs with stone PFX
[Fixed] [C3] Misaligned haystack
[Fixed] [D1] The Soviet Ammo Depot presenting a clipping issue
[Fixed] [E5] Snow presenting misalignment issues near a house
[Fixed] [F5] Two walls at the back of the church with no bullet collision
[Fixed] [F6] Large rubble pile has improper collision, allowing the player to enter it in
[Fixed] [G10] Wooden train wagon presenting metal PFX and SFX
[Fixed] [H7] The Player can get stuck between 2 Logs assets

Kursk

[Fixed] AT-mines clip the ground if placed on certain sections of road
[Fixed] [C1] Floating barrel
[Fixed] [C10] Tree inside a rock
[Fixed] [E5] Destroyed house presenting LOD issues when ADSing
[Fixed] [E10] Thin tree clipping a rock
[Fixed] [F2] Crater misaligned with the ground

Omaha Beach

[Fixed] Multiple stone walls with dirt PFX and SFX
[Fixed] Several Poor/Pink LODs seen along the cliffs from the US HQs
[Fixed] Wooden Poles around the beach area with metal SFX and PFX
[Fixed] [E5] Church asset with incorrect PFX and SFX
[Fixed] [F5] Destroyed house presenting LOD issue
[Fixed] [J3] Dead body clipping into boat
[Fixed] [J6] Floating artilleries in the middle HQ of the US spawn

Purple Heart Lane

[Fixed] Collision issues on riverbank preventing player movement
[Fixed] Floating milk barrels
[Fixed] Main road through PHL presenting dirt PFX when shot
[Fixed] [C8] Misaligned mud terrain observed near a trench
[Fixed] [C10] Misaligned mud tracks in multiple sections of the road
[Fixed] [D8] Misaligned mud terrain observed near a trench
[Fixed] [E3] Multiple misaligned mudbanks
[Fixed] [E4] Multiple assets misaligned with the terrain
[Fixed] [E4] Brick wall with misaligned textures
[Fixed] [E9] Multiple assets misaligned with the terrain
[Fixed] [G2] Terrain gap around a trench

Remagen

[Fixed] The US Transport Truck failing to spawn by default in HQ 1
[Fixed] Canvas-covered assets using canvas bullet penetration values, allowing all types of bullets to shoot through them
[Fixed] Grey canvas-covered boxes displaying stone PFX, SFX, and bullet mark decals
[Fixed] Multiple clipping issues observed
[Fixed] Small rocks missing collision
[Fixed] Trees missing collision covering the visual of Weapons in FPP but not blocking weapon
[Fixed] Wheelbarrow asset with no bullet collision
[Fixed] Wooden Boxes on Ludendorff sparking with Concrete PFX/SFX when shot
[Fixed] [C9] Large trees clipping through objects on the ground
[Fixed] [C10] Multiple floating assets
[Fixed] [D2] Trees clipping rocks in multiple areas
[Fixed] [D3] Gap in terrain around trench
[Fixed] [D3] Terrain is misaligned around a trench
[Fixed] [D4] Multiple misaligned terrain instances
[Fixed] [D4] Terrain misaligned near a sandbag wall
[Fixed] [D4] Floating rocks misaligned with the ground
[Fixed] [D10] Misaligned terrain
[Fixed] [D10] Foliage clipping through the floor of a bunker
[Fixed] [E2, F2] Terrain is misaligned in multiple areas.
[Fixed] [E3] Sandbags around a particular trench with wood SFX/PFX
[Fixed] [E4] Gaps in terrain around a trench
[Fixed] [E4] Misaligned terrain on multiple hills
[Fixed] [E4] Terrain clipping through a rock
[Fixed] [E6] Player's view trembles when walking over a fallen tree stump
[Fixed] [E8] Stone wall presenting dirt PFX and SFX
[Fixed] [E10] Dirt cliff misaligned with the environment
[Fixed] [F2] Multiple terrain pieces misaligned around a trench
[Fixed] [F4] Gaps in terrain around two trenches
[Fixed] [F5] Misaligned mudbanks
[Fixed] [F9] Bucket asset presenting collision with Vehicle
[Fixed] [F9] Sheds present wooden PFX and SFX
[Fixed] [F10] Tree asset clipping through rock
[Fixed] [G1] Sandbags presenting metal PFX and SFX
[Fixed] [G2] Misaligned terrain
[Fixed] [G3, H3] Decaying tree trunk asset misaligned with the ground
[Fixed] [G3] Gaps in terrain around trenches visible in multiple areas
[Fixed] [G4] Misaligned mudbank near trench
[Fixed] [G4] Gaps in cliff face
[Fixed] [G4] Gaps in terrain around trenches
[Fixed] [G4] Misaligned terrain on a hill
[Fixed] [G5] Misaligned terrain
[Fixed] [G10] Multiple trees clipping through rocks
[Fixed] [H3] Terrain around a trench with gaps
[Fixed] [H6, H7] Large trees clipping through objects on the ground

St Marie Du Mont

[Fixed] [E10] Players can spawn inside a building with no way out
[Fixed] [F1] Small trees waving erratically
[Fixed] [F2] Trench system with large Collision Volume surrounding it, blocking players from taking cover in the trench

Sainte-Mère-Église

[Fixed] Kitchen stove asset with wooden PFX
[Fixed] Missing background / ambiance map SFX
[Fixed] [C7] Parachute asset floating above the ground
[Fixed] [F5] Players able to climb onto the rooftops opposite the church

Stalingrad

[Fixed] Metal fence asset with wood PFX and SFX when shot at
[Fixed] LOD transition issue with derailed tram car
[Fixed] [B5 & I3] Players clipping through the ground when in prone
[Fixed] [E4] Wooden log assets with metal PFX
[Fixed] [I6] Train wheelset misaligned with the ground
[Fixed] [J6] Wooden train wagon presenting metal PFX and SFX

Utah

[Fixed] [D3] Destroyed artillery presenting LOD issue
[Fixed] [H4] House with wooden PFX and SFX

Hey everyone,

Today’s brief is another big one, diving further into some of the additional improvements coming with Update 14. We’ll be sharing a final changelog with everyone on the 25th of May, where you’ll be able to find a complete list of changes and bug fixes!

[h2]The Hell Let Loose Experience[/h2]

Offering unique gameplay through player-driven experiences, Hell Let Loose is often defined as a hardcore WWII first-person shooter, with a steeper learning curve and a strong emphasis on communication. Platoons are only successful when knowledge is shared and comms are open, and with Update 14, we have begun to facilitate better onboarding for both new and existing players alike.

[h2]Non-Verbal Communication Tools[/h2]

In our roadmap reveal, we announced that non-verbal communication tools would be implemented to help support players who may not have access to a microphone or are able to use one.

Radial Menu

While this new tool is not designed to be used by Squad Leaders or Commanders, it does offer other players a new way to supplement communication - a radial wheel that categorizes the four most essential comms:

• Requests
  
• Responses
  
• Information
  
• Actions
  

Designed to support gameplay, these simplified communications aim to help players make quick calls on the battlefield. On PC, you’ll be able to hold the scroll wheel down in order to bring up the radial menu which will allow players to select an option. These responses are then seen only by the members of that player’s squad. Similarly, console players will be able to use the left d-pad to bring up the menu.



With an option selected, the corresponding text will appear in the text chat and the relevant marker will appear above your character’s head, allowing members of the same unit to see who has made the request. For Actions, markers will be placed wherever the player is pointing, other than Defending, which is placed at the player’s current location.

We hope that these non-verbal communications will allow players to quickly and efficiently deliver information when voice comms are not available.

Point-and-Ping

Update 14 will also be further developing the existing ping feature by introducing a new point-and-ping system, where players will be able to highlight the location of ammo, explosive ammo, and supply boxes to other players in their platoon.

To use this new system, players must be within 5m of the item, using either the middle mouse button or the left d-pad on a controller, for a marker to appear above the item, while also calling it out in the text chat.



With these extended non-verbal communication tools, we hope players will be able to fully enjoy the Hell Let Loose experience and boost the communication of all players.

[h2]Improvements to the XP Screen[/h2]

Update 14 will also see an initial improvement of the XP screen by now providing a breakdown of your awarded XP. With this feedback, players will be able to better understand how to alter their play style to maximize the XP they’re awarded.

[h2]Vote to Kick Functionality[/h2]
Console players will soon be able to Vote to Kick those who are purposefully disrupting gameplay. Arriving with Update 14, functionality for a Vote to Kick system is being implemented, mirroring the one available on PC, where twenty votes are required to successfully kick a player.

From the lobby menu, players will be able to select one of the following options to start the vote:

• Abuse
  
• Cheating
  
• Team Killing
  

[h2]Improved Player Locomotion[/h2]

With each update, we’re continuing to improve gameplay mechanics, including player locomotion; creating realistic movement that more accurately reflects a soldier’s capability in the field.

Dive to Prone
Highly anticipated, U14 will see dive to prone finally implemented - allowing sprinting players to hold the prone button to seamlessly move into prone and avoid conflict or discovery.

Dive to prone in the third-person perspective.

Dive to prone in the first-person perspective.

Step Height Improvements
These improvements have now introduced individual step heights for each position of Standing, Crouching, and Prone. Crouch step height has been decreased while slightly increasing the Standing step height, allowing players to traverse through maps more smoothly while remaining realistic.

Run & Sprint Updates
Sprinting and running in both Crouch and Standing have been adjusted to feel more natural and realistic.

Improvements to the Rifle Animation Set
New jog animations, as well as pose animations for the Rifle movement set, have been implemented, along with new aim poses, creating more natural movement and poses.
Alongside this, improvements to the base idles and transitions for Rifles have been implemented.

[h2]Player Onboarding Development[/h2]

The existing Field Manual has been updated for U14 so that it will now reflect the new non-verbal communication wheel, as well as include a first iteration of video tutorials - short gif-style videos that help to illustrate certain in-game actions.



We have also added further details for the following:

• Dive to Prone
  
• Defensive Building
  
• Engine Damage
  

While we continue to work on plans for our new tutorial system coming in a future update, we hope that the initial expansion of the Field Manual will help players locate the correct information to support them on the frontline.

[h2]Game Analytics & Internal Testing[/h2]

A game the size of Hell Let Loose will always be difficult to fully test at scale, with some bugs only occurring when several key factors align - including the implementation of new features introducing bugs not present during QA or regular testing.

Update 14 will be evolving on the initial implementation of the game analytics introduced with U13.5, allowing us to better identify issues that players run into, effectively design new features, and support the fixing of the harder-to-reproduce bugs. With a much quicker release schedule planned, and more internal resources for testing, including the game analytics, we will no longer be relying on public testing ahead of new updates in the current PTE format.

We’re reviewing new processes to support early access for our partners, moderators, and creators. The new studio has recently brought on a dedicated resource to help support early access for future updates and we’ll be sharing more on this in the coming months.

[h2]Free DLC - Jericho Cap[/h2]

Available with Update 14, players can download the Jericho Cap – a new version of the Budyonovka hat – a pinnacle of the Communist uniforms during the Russian Civil War. When the temperature drops, the flaps come down to shield the crews’ ears and neck from the harshest weather.

This free DLC is available to the Soviet Commander, Infantry, Armor, and Recon units.

Worn at the beginning of WWII during the bleak winter weather, the Jericho Cap worked to keep the Soviet soldiers warm so they could continue the fight.

[h2]Cavalry Coat DLC[/h2]

Alongside the free DLC, players can also keep their soldiers warm with the Cavalry Coat DLC – worn by the Soviet tank crews throughout the war. Available for the Soviet Tank Commander and Crewman.

Stained by the grease and grime from the heavy machinery, its well-insulated mix of suede and sheep’s wool protected the crew from the cold.

Battling through the most severe weather, the new Soviet coat reminds the tanker of the relentless winter and the measures taken to survive.

[h2]Wombat’s Wrap-Up[/h2]

Hey everyone, Wombat here! I wanted to share a few updates on just some of the bugs currently being investigated, as well as catch up on the results of the map refresh poll.

Loadout & Grenade Bugs
I have been continuing to share your experiences with these persistent bugs, and while they are still incredibly difficult to reproduce, the team are keen to resolve them with future development. Both require further testing and verification to help pinpoint the cause.

Reload Animation Bug
The reload animation bug has now been successfully fixed for U14!

Server Performance
Update 14 will also be bringing further performance improvements to a range of maps, with more HLOD fixes to address transition issues, as well as a pass over meshes to remove excessive triangle counts and additional UV sets.

A Map to Refresh
Thank you to everyone who voted in the map refresh poll! While it started out close, Purple Heart Lane took the win by securing 50% of all votes. So, what happens now? We’ll be taking a look at the feedback on the post to see which improvement requests we can begin to plan for, and will share further details in a future developer brief. If you haven’t yet shared your ideas, make sure to leave a comment here.

Players Crashing on Joining T17 Friend
The team have attempted to reproduce this console-specific bug, and have so far been unsuccessful. To help us investigate it further, please continue to report this issue either using this form, or in the Discord and provide as much information as possible, including:

• Time of Crash (include your timezone)
  
• The platform you were using
  
• The number of friends in your T17 friend list
  
• Username / Gamertag ID
  

Battle Scarred DLC Now Available for Spotter & Sniper
Update 14 will now show the Battle Scarred DLC as available for the Spotter and Sniper roles!

Weapon Reload Audio
The team are currently working on fixes for a range of weapons missing audio on console and aim to deploy these with Update 15. The M1 Garand reload audio has been fixed for Update 14.

Barracks Lighting
Based on feedback from Update 13.5, the team have now increased the exposure of the Barracks, brightening the screen. Players will be able to see this change with Update 14.

Tank Shell Penetration
This issue is continuing to be looked at as part of a wider investigation into reported issues of inconsistent hit registration.

Floating Pistols
Further amendments are required before the team are able to release a fix for some instances of pistols floating on menu screens.

Flamethrower Clipping Radio
The team will be submitting a fix in U14 for a bug where German Support players wearing the Battle Scarred DLC would see the Flammenwerfer loadout clip a radio box.


[h2]The Hell Let Loose Identity[/h2]

As a studio, we’ve been so thrilled to see your excitement and anticipation for the future of Hell Let Loose. Going forward we’ll continue to grow and optimize the game and further develop the Hell Let Loose identity as the title takes on an incredible next chapter.

Starting today, the next evolution of the Hell Let Loose logo will be going live across all of our channels. The Hell Let Loose trident has remained a community symbol since the start, and this next iteration will allow you, the community, to continue to express your own identities alongside it. We’ll be sharing details on how you can access the logos and our brand guidelines, in a future announcement.


New Horizontal Hell Let Loose Logo Lockup.

New Hell Let Loose Icon Logo.

[h2]Game Price Change[/h2]

We would also like to let everyone know of an upcoming change in our pricing structure. As we continue to bring new content and improvements to the well-loved title, the base price of Hell Let Loose will be increasing to reflect the new updates and future content planned.

In your respective currency, you can expect to see Hell Let Loose increase by 5 units, shortly after Update 14 releases, so now is the perfect time to enlist your friends and prepare them to take on all the new battles arriving soon!

Our journey together has only just begun, and as these updates and changes take effect, we’re glad to have you by our side.

We look forward to joining you all on the frontline next week!



Join the Discord here https://discord.gg/hellletloose

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HellLetLoose/

Twitter https://twitter.com/hell_let_loose

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/HellLetLoose

Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HellLetLoose/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hellletlooseofficial/

Steam http://steamcommunity.com/groups/HellLetLoose

Hey everyone,

Thank you for the response to our last dev brief - we’ve been exceptionally grateful and excited to be on the journey together! This week we’re pleased to announce Update 14 & The British forces are targeted for deployment on May 25th.

This will be another major update, bringing with it two brand new maps, the start of the British forces, along with new weapons & vehicles, new free & paid DLC items, our first iteration of video tutorials, and non-verbal communication tools - as well as general bug fixing.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at how the British forces are shaping up, along with the weapons and vehicles you can expect to see at the end of the month.

[h2]New Maps[/h2]
Last time we revealed a North African campaign, El Alamein, would be available for players to jump into and experience a whole new biome, with open landscapes and plenty of verticality. In this dev brief, we’ll be taking a closer look at Driel, our second map based in Holland.

Driel
Taking inspiration from the events of Operation Market Garden, Driel offers intense combat where players will need to apply a tactical approach to securing territory and traversing the small villages and farmland.

Cross over using the bridge, or risk becoming an easy target by wading through the river.

Driel, featuring a sun-lit sky, rail bridge and waterway.

Another perspective of the railway bridge on Driel.

[h2]Tactical Maps[/h2]
Strong point positions and map layouts for both Driel, and El Alamein.

Driel, a North/South battle scenario.

El Alamein, a West/East battle scenario.

[h2]Great Britain Weapons[/h2]
As we grow nearer to the release of British forces, let’s take a closer look at some of the weapons players will get to deploy with later this month.

Lanchester MK1
Well made and solid, the Lanchester MK1 was a submachine gun manufactured to offer British soldiers a reliable ruggedness, recognizing the value of the submachine gun after the events at Dunkirk.

Sten Gun
As a contrasting counterpart to the Lanchester submachine gun, the Sten entered the battlefield as a cheaper alternative to the Lanchester and the Allied favoured ‘Tommy’ gun, with the Sten’s ability to support more soldiers with submachine guns on the battlefield.

Bren MK2
Considered reliable in skilled hands, the Bren provided a slower firing rate that allowed for easier control and accounted for effective cooling between bursts.

Lee-Enfield Pattern 1914 (P14)
Used throughout WWI, the bolt action rifle went under further modification to support soldiers in WWII. Often used by snipers, the P14 was durable and somewhat heavier, contributing to its reputation for accuracy.

Lewis Gun
Designed in the United States and mass-produced in the United Kingdom, the Lewis gun featured a top-mounted pan magazine, as well as an aluminium barrel shroud to offer effective cooling. Following the loss of a large part of the British Army’s weaponry across France, many Lewis guns were repaired, before being issued to the British and Allied forces.

PIAT
Created in 1942 in response to the need for a more effective portable anti-tank weapon, the Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank (PIAT) offered greater penetration power than its anti-tank predecessors, and was able to launch projectiles over a more effective range.

Rifle No.4 MK1
A classic service rifle built with infantry in mind, offering a lighter and more robust design than the standard rifle.

Webley MK VI
Shortages of handguns during WWII meant that a number of older weapons were also reintroduced, including the Webley MK VI, which was issued to soldiers in the British Military.

Fairbairn Sykes Knife
Resembling a dagger, this double-edged fighting knife was issued to units within the British Army during WWII and designed for surprise attacks and fighting.

[h2]Great Britain Armor & Vehicles[/h2]

Sherman 76mm Firefly
Notorious in its tank destroying capability, the Sherman Firefly was one of the most common vehicles used by the British Forces, fitted with a powerful 17-pounder anti-tank gun.

Sherman Firefly - Heavy Tank.

Cromwell
With its Rolls-Royce Meteor engine, the Cromwell offered reliability and speed, while being a powerful medium tank.

Bedford Transport Truck and Cromwell - Medium Tank.

Tetrarch
Primarily used as support fire, this British light tank featured a quick-firing 2-pounder gun, produced by the Vickers-Armstrong company.

Daimler
Proving to be an important tool on the battlefield, the Daimler recon vehicle was fast, mobile, and lightly armored.

[h2]Great Britain Soldiers[/h2]
As an initial introduction to the British forces, players will find their soldiers garbed in the British battledress. Worn mostly in temperate climates, Battledress was introduced before the start of WWII, and was worn as late as the 1960s.

Designed with mechanized infantry needs in mind, the British battledress comprised of a short wool jacket, buttoned to the outside of high-waisted wool serge trousers.

Great Britain Commander wearing the rubberised Macintosh Raincoat.

Infantry Soldier wearing the P-37 Battledress.


[h2]Cast Your Vote[/h2]
In our last developer briefing, we asked for your input on which map you’d like to see refreshed later this year. Depending on the map chosen, the refresh goes above and beyond general optimization with a new lighting pass, a review of cover and accessible buildings, and even the opportunity to revisit capture points.

Head over to today’s Reddit post to cast your vote and discuss your ideas!

As a reminder, here are the options:

• Purple Heart Lane
  
• Sainte-Mère-Église
  
• Carentan
  
• Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
  
• Omaha Beach
  
• Utah Beach
  

[h2]Community News[/h2]
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be exhibiting at FORMAT, the UK’s biggest games industry night life event, on the 25th May! Players local to Manchester will be able to head on down to the event, suit up as the British forces while trying out Update 14, and meet some of the team.

Secure your ticket now at https://bit.ly/hll-tickets and make sure to use the code FRM_MCR25 for 25% off!



[h2]War Correspondent, Content Creator, and Community HLL Videos[/h2]
The Hell Let Loose Hungary community tried their hand at a cinematic remake of the iconic Fury Tiger vs Sherman tanks scene in-game, check this out:
https://youtu.be/hVVjjOfl_l4

A recon unit not to be messed with, watch SoulSniper and Scotty provide street overwatch on Carentan:
https://youtu.be/AWU5JaJ0gOw

It’s-a me, Mendez! Watch Alpine Sniper’s Hell Let Loose kart party, complete with a jeep obstacle race:
https://youtu.be/825wQO3FydU

For more like this, make sure to drop by some of our War Correspondent livestreams:

SquiddsTV: https://squidds.tv/stream


Saucymuffin: https://twitch.tv/saucymuffin

Velma_IRL: https://www.twitch.tv/velma_irl

Terrydactyl: https://www.twitch.tv/terrydactylgaming


W1ll67: https://www.twitch.tv/w1ll67


only_RzR07: https://www.twitch.tv/only_rzr07

On TikTok? Scroll through countless hours of some of the best Hell Let Loose moments:

Clean up on aisle three! RazBora: https://www.tiktok.com/@raz_bora/video/7225218339453340970

“Do you want one hand grenade, or double it and give it to the next person?”
Husk: https://www.tiktok.com/@imhusk/video/7214259301001481515

GebatronGaming has been sharing some great tips, like this one:
https://www.tiktok.com/@gebatrongaming/video/7113642661176905006

TL;DR on the last Dev Brief? Watch The Fresh Baked Goods break it down:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thefreshbakedgoods/video/7225736265478540586?_r=1&_t=8c0YtpQznDe

Join the Discord here https://discord.gg/hellletloose

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HellLetLoose/

Twitter https://twitter.com/hell_let_loose

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/HellLetLoose

Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HellLetLoose/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hellletlooseofficial/

Steam http://steamcommunity.com/groups/HellLetLoose


With that, we look forward to seeing the results of the voting over on Reddit, and will be readying up to share more details on all that’s coming with Update 14 in the next developer briefing.

We’ll see you on the frontline!