Hell Let Loose Vietnam Weapons — Full Arsenal Guide

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam keeps its weapon lists grounded — the Vietnam War featured distinct asymmetry, and the game leans into realism. The US and NVA arsenals are not mirror reskins, with different recoil, magazine capacities, and handling on almost every firearm. This guide covers the complete launch arsenal, what each weapon's role is, and how to select gear based on your squad needs.

Here's what you'll learn:

• The complete US arsenal from assault rifles to flamethrowers
• The NVA arsenal, including the Type 56 series and K50M
• Weapon pairings by role (Rifleman, HMG, Grenadier, AT, Sniper)
• Anti-vehicle weapons relied on by both factions
• How the weighted loadout system alters mobility

Official resources: Steam store page · Xbox store listing · Official site · IGN game page

How Weapons Work in Vietnam

The dev team's stated design: both factions have comparable weapon classes, but each firearm handles uniquely with distinct recoil, ammo capacity, and ballistics. The core system change is the weighted loadout: weapons and gear carry weight, roles have carrying limits, and heavy loadouts restrict extra gear. Lighter rifles (M16A1, Type 56) keep you agile; belt-fed MGs and rocket launchers turn you into a slow, high-value target.

Per the official Developer Q&A from Expression Games: "Although both factions have access to comparable weapon classes, each firearm handles differently, with its own recoil, ammunition capacity and feel" — balance is maintained through ongoing playtesting, not mirror-match design.

US Armed Forces Arsenal

M16A1 — the American workhorse

Featuring semi-auto and full-auto fire, the M16A1 is the US baseline. It's light on the weight system, accurate to medium range, and forgiving for new players — which is why our beginners guide recommends starting here. The M203 variant adds an underbarrel 40 mm grenade launcher, equipping one soldier with direct fire and indirect high explosive capability.

M60 — suppression over precision

The M60 ("The Pig") is a 7.62 mm belt-fed machine gun built to suppress enemy positions. Fire into treelines and foliage to pin squads so your riflemen can maneuver. Reloads are lengthy and weight is heavy — position discipline is vital. The NVA equivalent is the belt-fed RPD.

M79 & M72 — explosive support

The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot 40 mm break-action weapon — ideal for lobbing rounds over walls and into bunkers. The M72 LAW is a single-use disposable anti-tank rocket. Both define Grenadier and anti-vehicle loadouts.

M40, M1911A1, M2A1-7, Model 77E

The M40 is the sniper bolt-action rifle (paired with a Spotter in recon squads — see our roles guide). The M1911A1 serves as the standard .45 sidearm. The M2A1-7 flamethrower and Model 77E shotgun excel in close-quarters trench and bunker clears.

NVA Arsenal

Type 56 — NVA standard assault rifle

The NVA standard rifle is the 7.62x39mm Type 56: hard-hitting and effective in short sightlines. It has stronger perceived recoil than the M16A1 but delivers high stopping power in close bush. The Type 53 bolt-action covers long-range marksmen, while its N4 rifle-grenade variant offers explosive capability.

RPD & K50M — NVA automatic weapons

The RPD provides sustained 7.62 mm belt-fed suppression for NVA squads. The K50M submachine gun (with its high-capacity drum magazine) is tailored for short-range village and tunnel fighting. On dense maps like Vạn Tường, a K50M squad clearing bunkers is lethal.

RPG-02 & LPO-50 — anti-armor and flame

The RPG-02 is the NVA rocket launcher that deters armored pushes. The LPO-50 flamethrower mirrors the US M2A1-7 for bunker clearing, while the IZH 58 double-barrel shotgun rounds out close-quarters gear.

Best Weapons by Role & Playstyle

Anti-Vehicle Weapons & Tank Threats

Armored vehicles punish exposed squads, so anti-vehicle coordination matters: US Grenadiers carry the M72 LAW, NVA antitank loadouts carry the RPG-02, and Engineers bring satchel charges and AT mines (TM-46 for NVA, M21 for US). Maintain spacing — multiple infantry standing close together trying to LAW a tank risk squad wipes.

Loadout Weight & Progression

The weighted loadout system directly influences gear selection: belt-fed MGs and rocket launchers consume weight capacity, reducing extra grenades or medical supplies. Roles unlock new loadout tiers via XP. New players should stick with default light loadouts before adding heavier equipment.

For detailed role assignments, see our roles guide. For tactical mechanics and combat flow, consult the how to play guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many weapons are in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

Roughly 18 primary infantry weapons are available at launch across both factions — nine per side — plus bayonet and underbarrel variants. The US fields the M16A1/M203, M1911A1, M60, M79, M72, M40, M2A1-7, and Model 77E; the NVA fields the Type 56, Type 53, Type 54, RPD, K50M, RPG-02, LPO-50, IZH 58, and Type 53 PU.

What weapons does the US side use in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

M16A1 (with bayonet and M203 variants), M1911A1 pistol, M60 machine gun, M79 grenade launcher, M72 LAW, M40 sniper rifle, M2A1-7 flamethrower, and Model 77E shotgun.

What weapons does the NVA use in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

Type 56 assault rifle, Type 53 bolt-action (bayonet and N4 launcher variants), Type 53 PU sniper rifle, Type 54 pistol, RPD light machine gun, K50M submachine gun, RPG-02, LPO-50 flamethrower, and IZH 58 shotgun.

What is the best rifle in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

For general play, the M16A1 (US) and Type 56 (NVA) are top balanced choices — effective to medium range and manageable under the loadout weight system. The M40 and Type 53 PU dominate long-range engagements inside Recon squads.

Are there flamethrowers in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam?

Yes — the US M2A1-7 and NVA LPO-50. Both provide heavy area damage inside bunkers while leaving operators vulnerable during open movement.

Related Guides

• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Roles — All 17 Roles Explained
• How to Play Hell Let Loose: Vietnam — Objectives, Modes & Spawns
• Hell Let Loose Vietnam Beginners Guide: First Match, Roles & Survival
• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Wiki — Overview, Modes & Maps
• Hell Let Loose Vietnam Maps: All 6 Battlefields Explained

Last updated: August 20, 2026.