Hell Let Loose Vietnam Mortar Guide - How to Use Mortars (Gunner, Observer & Support)

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam introduces a dedicated Mortar unit — the only squad type designed entirely around indirect fire support. A three-person crew of Gunner, Observer, and Support can shell contested capture points, disrupt NVA tunnel assaults, and destroy machine-gun nests without direct line of sight.

This launch guide covers role responsibilities, tube construction and aiming mechanics, Observer grid calls, target prioritization, and tactical displacement.

Here's what you'll learn:

• How the three Mortar unit roles split responsibilities
• How the Gunner deploys, levels, and aims the mortar
• How the Observer reads grid maps and calls fall-of-shot corrections
• Why the Support role maintains supply and ammunition logistics
• Priority targets for mortar fire and counter-mortar survival

Official resources: Steam store page · Official site · Official blog · IGN game page

What Is the Mortar Unit in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

Per the official Steam store listing, teams field squads across six unit types: Command, Infantry, Recon, Armour, Helicopter, and Mortar. The Mortar unit provides infantry-level indirect artillery that can be placed anywhere accessible to foot soldiers.

A mortar squad operates via three roles:

• Mortar Gunner — deploys the tube, calculates elevation, and fires rounds.
• Mortar Observer — provides target grid coordinates, marks map objectives, and calls fire corrections.
• Mortar Support — hauls ammunition and supply crates, feeds the tube, and guards the position.

Unlike WWII Hell Let Loose fixed HQ artillery, Vietnam mortars are portable field pieces. You choose deployment spots, construct the tube, and displace when targeted.

Mortar Roles: Gunner, Observer and Support

Mortar Gunner

The Gunner is the sole role capable of placing the mortar, carrying Hammer and Wrench construction tools. On the firing line, the Gunner performs three steps:

1. Deployment — Select covered terrain and build the tube using construction tools.
2. Aiming — Adjust tube elevation and bearing. The in-game mortar calculator translates target distance to tube elevation: higher angles decrease range, while lower angles extend reach.
3. Firing — Load shells into the muzzle as the Support keeps supplies flowing.

Mortar Observer

Equipped with binoculars and radio equipment, the Observer acts as the gunner's forward spotter:

• Reads the Tactical Map to report target grid coordinates, distance, and compass direction.
• Marks targets on squad and team maps.
• Observes impact locations and calls adjustments (e.g. "Left 50, drop 25").
• Coordinates with Squad Leaders before shelling close to friendly infantry.

With corrections, experienced Observers drop shells within a 25-meter radius of designated coordinates.

Mortar Support

The Support role supplies the Ammo and Supply Boxes required for continuous firing. Without ammo resupply, a Gunner exhausts ammunition quickly during critical artillery missions. Support players also watch flank routes and assist in defending the mortar site against enemy infiltrators.

How to Set Up and Aim the Mortar

Step 1 — Select position. Position in covered terrain with clear overhead arc. Fringes near Quảng Ngãi, tree lines by the Nam Ma River on Thanh Hóa Bridge, and high ground on Huế Outskirts serve as strong locations — review our all maps guide for map layouts.

Step 2 — Build tube. The Gunner deploys the mortar using build tools. Complete deployment before opening fire to avoid detection.

Step 3 — Input calculation. The Observer transmits grid coordinates, estimated distance, and bearing. The Gunner feeds range numbers into the mortar calculator to obtain elevation values.

Step 4 — Execute and displace. Fire designated volleys, apply Observer corrections, and displace after sustained firing to evade counter-mortar fire.

Best Mortar Targets in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

Avoid targeting isolated infantry or firing within 100 meters of friendly units due to splash radius.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mortars work in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

A three-player Mortar unit deploys a field mortar for indirect fire. The Observer reads target grid coordinates, the Gunner inputs distance into the in-game mortar calculator to set elevation, and the Support supplies ammunition crates.

What are the mortar roles in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

Three roles: Mortar Gunner (builds/fires tube, carries Hammer and Wrench), Mortar Observer (binoculars, radio, map coordinates, fire correction), and Mortar Support (carries Supplies and Ammo Boxes).

How do I aim the mortar in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

Use the mortar calculator: match tube elevation to the range reported by the Observer, adjust bearing to target direction, and fire while the Observer provides directional corrections.

What should the Mortar Observer do in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

Read Tactical Map grids, transmit distance/direction to the Gunner, place map markers, observe impact points, and call left/right/range corrections.

What are the best mortar targets in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

NVA tunnels, enemy garrisons/outposts, machine-gun nests, enemy mortars, and capture points prior to friendly infantry pushes.

Related Guides

• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Squad Leader Guide
• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Tank Guide — Crew Roles & Targets
• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Sniper Guide — Recon Duo
• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam All Maps Guide
• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Weapons Guide
• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Push to Talk Guide

Last updated: August 20, 2026.