Hell Let Loose Update 21 adds rifle grenades, Conquest

Team17 and Expression Games have released Update 21 for Hell Let Loose, introducing a substantial package of new content, gameplay adjustments, and technical fixes. The update expands the game’s arsenal with new rifle grenades, a Soviet flamethrower, and a US Springfield rifle, while also adding a new Conquest game mode. These additions are accompanied by a broad balance pass focused on armor and anti-tank interactions, aiming to refine the tactical landscape for simulation users.

New Infantry Weapons

The most visible addition to the infantry roster is the introduction of three new Rifle Grenade weapon variants. These weapons function as standard infantry firearms but allow players to load and fire specific types of grenade ammunition. The available variants include the Karabiner 98k with Schiessbecher, the M1 Garand with M7 Grenade Launcher, and the SMLE No.1 Mk III with No.1 Mk I Cup Discharger.

Rifle Grenades are designed to act as a side-grade to regular hand grenades. They offer significantly greater firing distance and detonate on impact, providing a distinct tactical option for engaging targets at range. However, they come with trade-offs: loading times are longer, they cannot be used as quickly in succession, and they are less effective at close range. The ammunition types available depend on the player’s role and loadout, including HE Grenades, Smoke Grenades, and AT Grenades.

The AT Grenades, similar to the historical British No.82 Grenade, feature light armor penetration. They can damage Tier 1 player-built structures, excluding Garrisons, and are capable of destroying Recon and Light Tanks. They can also damage the tracks of heavier tanks. While historically some of these grenades used timed fuses, all Rifle Grenades in the current update detonate on impact for gameplay consistency. The developers have noted plans to expand this system in Update 22 by allowing players to plant the weapon for indirect fire.

In addition to the rifle grenades, the Soviet Forces have received the ROKS 2 Flamethrower. For the US Forces, the M1903A3 Springfield bolt action rifle has been added. The existing Springfield Sniper model has also been updated to represent the M1903A4 Springfield.

Armor and Anti-Tank Balance

A significant portion of Update 21 is dedicated to rebalancing armor and anti-tank gameplay. The developers stated that the buildable AT Gun previously saw relatively little use, prompting changes to improve its effectiveness and provide Anti-Tank players with more options when engaging enemy vehicles.

A key adjustment is the increase in barrel rotation rate for all AT Guns, which has been raised from 1 degree per second to 3 degrees per second. This change is intended to make the weapon more responsive and viable in combat scenarios. The balance pass also includes adjustments to tank ammunition amounts, HE splash radius, smoke launchers, and vehicle fuel costs. Many of these changes were shaped by feedback collected during recent Experimental Branch tests.

New Game Mode and Technical Fixes

Update 21 introduces a new Conquest game mode, adding another layer of strategic depth to the gameplay experience. The update also includes new loadouts and weapon fire selectors, further customizing the player experience.

Beyond new content, the update addresses numerous technical issues. Fixes and improvements have been applied across gameplay, weapons, vehicles, UI, progression, localization, servers, and nine different maps. The developers acknowledged the community’s role in refining the update, thanking players who participated in the Experimental Branch and provided feedback ahead of the release.

For simulation users, Update 21 represents a meaningful expansion of tactical options. The addition of rifle grenades introduces a new dimension to infantry engagement, while the armor balance changes aim to create a more dynamic and balanced experience for vehicle combat. The new Conquest mode offers additional strategic variety, and the technical fixes contribute to a more stable and polished gameplay environment.