Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Weapons by Faction: Guns & Roles

Understanding hell let loose vietnam weapons by faction is the difference between holding a sector and watching your squad get wiped in the jungle. The US Armed Forces and the North Vietnamese Army bring completely different arsenals to the 50v50 battlefield, and each weapon demands a distinct playstyle. While the M16A1 rewards aggressive, high-volume fire, the NVA's Type 56 and K50M favor controlled bursts and ambush tactics. This breakdown covers every primary and secondary weapon on both sides, explains which roles get which guns, and highlights the best rifle, SMG, and sniper for each faction based on stats and community testing. Whether you are pushing through Operation Starlite or defending a tunnel network, knowing your arsenal before you spawn gives you a real edge.

US Arsenal: Rifles, SMGs, and Support Weapons

M60 vs. RPD: Sustained Fire and Barrel Management

The M60's 7.62x51mm NATO round and 100-round belt provide US Machine Gunners with superior range and penetration, ideal for suppressing NVA tunnel entrances from 200+ meters. The RPD's 7.62x39mm round and 100-round belt trade range for a lighter weapon that deploys faster. The M60's higher recoil requires bipod deployment for accurate sustained fire, while the RPD's lower recoil allows effective hip-fire in emergency CQB. Both weapons excel at area denial, but the M60's heavier round forces NVA players to reposition rather than simply stay prone.

K50M vs. M2A1-7: Close-Quarters Firepower Comparison

The K50M, a modified PPSh-41, offers NVA players a 35-round magazine with a high rate of fire ideal for jungle ambushes under 30 meters. The M2A1-7 flamethrower provides US Assault players with devastating area denial, instantly clearing bunkers and tunnel interiors but with limited fuel and a 20-meter effective range. The K50M's controllability and ammo economy make it a reliable primary, while the M2A1-7's psychological impact and guaranteed kill potential in tight spaces justify its role-specific limitations.

The US faction fields a modern, NATO-aligned arsenal built around the M16A1 as its backbone. According to the official game page and Steam listing, the US side relies on air superiority and firepower, which shows in their weapon selection. Every US rifleman carries either the M16A1 or a specialized variant, while support roles get access to belt-fed machine guns and explosive launchers that can suppress an entire NVA squad.

The M16A1 is the standard-issue rifle for most US roles, offering a 20-round magazine with full-auto capability. Its high rate of fire makes it lethal in close-quarters jungle fighting, but the 5.56mm round loses stopping power at longer ranges. Players report that the M16A1 excels when you fire in controlled 3-5 round bursts rather than holding the trigger, because the recoil climbs quickly after the first few shots. The M16A1-M203 variant adds a 40mm grenade launcher, giving the Grenadier role a devastating option for clearing trenches and flushing out NVA defenders from tunnel entrances.

The M60 machine gun anchors the US support line, and community reports from the Machine Gunner gameplay video highlight its ability to lock down sightlines with sustained fire. The 100-round belt means you can suppress an NVA position for extended periods, but the weapon is heavy and slows your movement significantly. The M40 bolt-action sniper rifle delivers exceptional damage at range, and the M72 LAW gives Anti-Tank roles a one-shot solution against NVA armor and fortified positions. The M1911A1 pistol rounds out the US arsenal as a dependable backup for Officers and Tank Crew who need a compact sidearm in close quarters.

NVA Arsenal: From Type 56 Rifles to Grenades

M16A1 vs. Type 56: The 5.56x45mm vs. 7.62x39mm Trade-Off

The M16A1 and Type 56 represent the core doctrinal split between factions. The M16A1's 5.56x45mm round offers a flatter trajectory and lighter recoil, making follow-up shots on moving targets at 100-200 meters more controllable. The Type 56's 7.62x39mm round hits harder per shot but suffers from greater drop past 150 meters. In close-quarters jungle engagements under 50 meters, the Type 56's heavier round can penetrate light cover more reliably, while the M16A1's 20-round magazine demands stricter fire discipline than the Type 56's 30-round capacity.

M79 vs. RPG-2: Indirect Fire and Armor Threats

The M79's 40mm grenade launcher gives US Riflemen a direct-fire explosive option with a 150-meter effective range, ideal for clearing NVA tunnel entrances or flushing enemies from treelines. The RPG-2's 84mm warhead is the NVA's primary anti-armor tool, capable of disabling US patrol boats and armored vehicles in a single hit. While the M79 reloads faster and offers more ammo, the RPG-2's penetration and blast radius make it the superior choice against fortified positions and vehicle threats.

The North Vietnamese Army relies on Soviet and Chinese-manufactured weapons that emphasize durability and simplicity. The Type 56 rifle, a licensed copy of the AK-47, serves as the NVA's primary infantry weapon and appears across multiple roles. Its 7.62x39mm round delivers more stopping power than the US 5.56mm, and the weapon's reliability in muddy, humid conditions is legendary among players who have tested both factions extensively.

The NVA arsenal includes several weapons that US forces never encounter, including the K50M and its drum-fed variant. The K50M is a modified PPSh-41 that fires the 7.62x25mm Tokarev round, offering a blistering rate of fire that shreds enemies in close-quarters tunnel fights. The K50M Drum variant extends the magazine capacity, making it one of the best SMG options in the game for aggressive flanking play. The RPD light machine gun provides the NVA with suppression capability comparable to the US M60, though it uses a 100-round belt that requires careful ammo management.

The RPG-2 gives NVA Anti-Tank roles a shoulder-fired rocket launcher that can disable US armor with a well-placed hit. The Type 54 pistol serves as the standard sidearm for NVA Officers and crew members, while the Type 67 machine gun offers an alternative to the RPD with slightly different handling characteristics. The LPO-50 flamethrower is a unique NVA weapon that creates devastating area denial in jungle terrain, though its limited fuel capacity means you must use it sparingly and only when you know enemies are nearby.

Best Rifle for Each Faction and Role

Choosing the best rifle in hell let loose vietnam weapons by faction depends heavily on your role and engagement distances. The M16A1 wins in close-to-mid range fights because of its full-auto capability, but the Type 56 holds the advantage at longer ranges where its heavier 7.62mm round maintains damage over distance. Players who prefer a more methodical, single-shot approach often gravitate toward the M40 on the US side or the Type 53 on the NVA side, both of which reward precise aim with one-shot kills to the chest.

For the Rifleman role, the M16A1 and Type 56 are the default choices, and each demands a different approach. The M16A1 rewards aggressive play because you can spray multiple rounds into an enemy before they react, while the Type 56 encourages controlled bursts and patience because its recoil is more manageable but its magazine empties quickly if you panic-fire. Based on community testing, the Type 56 edges out the M16A1 in raw damage per shot, but the M16A1's rate of fire compensates in close-quarters scenarios where landing two quick rounds matters more than landing one heavy round.

The Sniper role deserves special attention because the M40 and Type 53 PU offer distinctly different experiences. The M40 is a dedicated bolt-action rifle with a scope that excels at extreme ranges, while the Type 53 PU is a scoped variant of the standard carbine that trades some range for faster handling. Players who prefer a more mobile sniping style often choose the Type 53 PU, while those who want to hold a single sightline for extended periods stick with the M40. For a deeper breakdown of sniper-specific loadouts and positioning, check the recon loadout guide which covers both factions' recon options in detail.

Best SMG Options and Close-Quarters Combat

Close-quarters combat in Vietnam happens in tunnels, trenches, and dense jungle, and the K50M dominates these engagements for the NVA. Its 35-round magazine and high fire rate let you clear a tunnel section before the enemy can react, and the drum variant extends that advantage significantly. The US side has no dedicated SMG in the traditional sense, which forces American players to rely on the M16A1's full-auto mode or the M79 grenade launcher for indoor fights.

The K50M Drum is widely considered the best SMG in hell let loose vietnam weapons by faction, according to community reports from the Steam forums. Its 71-round magazine means you can engage multiple enemies without reloading, and the 7.62x25mm round penetrates light cover effectively. The tradeoff is accuracy at range, so you should pair it with a playstyle that emphasizes flanking and close-quarters pushes rather than long-distance firefights.

• K50M Drum excels in tunnel clearing and building assaults where its magazine capacity and fire rate overwhelm defenders.

• M16A1 in full-auto serves as the US answer to SMG play, though its 20-round magazine requires disciplined trigger control.

• M79 grenade launcher gives US Grenadiers a one-shot solution for room clearing, but the single-shot reload leaves you vulnerable.

• Type 56 on burst fire works well in close quarters because its heavy round drops enemies in two hits, conserving ammo.

The M1911A1 and Type 54 pistols both serve as reliable backups when your primary runs dry, but neither matches the stopping power of a rifle or SMG. Players report that the M1911A1 feels more accurate at range, while the Type 54's lighter recoil makes it easier to fire rapidly in panic situations. For a complete overview of every weapon's stats and damage values, the weapons list guide provides a comprehensive reference table.

LMG and Suppression Tactics for Both Factions

Machine gunners shape the battlefield by controlling sightlines and forcing enemies into cover, and both factions bring capable options to this role. The M60 on the US side and the RPD on the NVA side serve similar purposes, but their handling characteristics differ noticeably. The M60 hits harder per round and feels more stable when deployed on its bipod, while the RPD offers a slightly faster reload and better mobility when you need to reposition quickly.

The Type 67 machine gun gives NVA Machine Gunners a second option that trades some rate of fire for improved accuracy. Players who prefer a more deliberate suppression style often choose the Type 67, while those who want maximum lead downrange stick with the RPD. Based on the Machine Gunner gameplay video, positioning matters more than weapon choice when it comes to effective suppression, because a well-placed machine gunner can halt an entire US advance through a narrow jungle corridor.

Suppression tactics differ between factions because of map design and movement options. US forces often push with helicopter support, which means Machine Gunners need to set up quickly after landing and cover advancing infantry. NVA forces defend tunnel networks and fortified positions, so their Machine Gunners typically deploy in pre-planned firing positions that overlook approach routes. The M60 and RPD both reward patience, because firing from a deployed bipod position dramatically improves accuracy and reduces recoil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rifle in hell let loose vietnam weapons by faction?

The Type 56 is the best all-around rifle because it combines reliable damage with manageable recoil and a 30-round magazine. The M16A1 matches it in close quarters, but the Type 56's heavier round performs better at medium range. Choose based on your preferred engagement distance.

Which faction has better SMGs?

The NVA has the clear advantage with the K50M and K50M Drum, which offer high fire rates and large magazines. The US has no dedicated SMG, so American players must rely on the M16A1's full-auto mode or the M79 for close-quarters fights. This makes NVA assault roles stronger indoors.

What is the best sniper rifle for each faction?

The M40 is the best US sniper rifle because of its exceptional range and one-shot potential. The Type 53 PU serves the NVA well with faster handling and adequate range. Both reward precise aim, but the M40 excels at extreme distances while the Type 53 PU suits mobile sniping.

How do I choose the best weapon for each role?

Match the weapon to your role's primary function. Riflemen should use the M16A1 or Type 56, Machine Gunners should take the M60 or RPD, and Anti-Tank roles should prioritize the M72 LAW or RPG-2. Consider your engagement distances and whether you will fight indoors or outdoors.

Are LMGs effective for suppression in Vietnam maps?

Yes. The M60 and RPD excel at suppression with 100-round belts, letting you pin down jungle choke points while your squad flanks. Deploy the bipod for sustained fire. The Type 67 offers better accuracy for longer-range engagements, though with less volume of fire than the RPD.