The hardcore shooter Hell Let Loose was released in June 2019 on Steam as an early access title. In November 2018, MeinMMO editor Jürgen Horn explained why Hell Let Loose would become the anti-Battlefield. But how is the anti-Battlefield doing in 2022 and did it live up to its title after leaving beta status in 2021?
What are the current player numbers? When Hell Let Loose launched in early access in June 2019, the WW2 shooter had an average of 1,600 players on Steam. For over a year, the average player count remained below the 2,000 mark.
In 2021, Hell Let Loose saw a surge. Player numbers steadily increased, and the official release and exit from beta also resulted in a significant jump. In April 2022, an average of 6,300 players played the hardcore shooter (via steamcharts.com).
What does ‘anti-Battlefield’ mean? Hell Let Loose is a “World War II” shooter and, similar to Battlefield V, focuses on large battles.
However, instead of implementing relatively fast movement and quick gunfights like its competitors Battlefield V, Call of Duty: WW2, or CoD: Vanguard, Hell Let Loose focuses on realism and removes any aids from the player.
Why MeinMMO editor Jürgen Horn saw Hell Let Loose as the “anti-Battlefield” around 4 years ago can be read here:
Hell Let Loose sees an increase in players on Steam
How does Hell Let Loose compare? To better interpret the numbers, we need to take a look around Steam. It is noticeable that Hell Let Loose is in prominent company regarding player numbers.
Another WW2 shooter is in close proximity with Battlefield V. EA DICE’s shooter had an average of 9,277 players in April (via steamcharts.com). While the EA shooter lost about 1,700 players compared to the previous month, Hell Let Loose gained almost 600 players.
We also saw a rise in hardcore shooters with Squad. The title reached an average of 10,000 players for the first time in April and set a new record (via steamcharts.com). This is a development that is also conceivable for Hell Let Loose as it is also a hardcore shooter focused on realism.
In contrast, we see Battlefield 2042. After much was expected of the shooter in 2021, the player numbers are relatively modest with an average of 2,140 players in April 2022 (via steamcharts.com).
Unlike the two Battlefield titles, the hardcore shooters Hell Let Loose and Squad have seen a significant increase in their player numbers over the past months.
Hardcore shooter in World War II
What kind of game is this? Hell Let Loose is a multiplayer shooter set in World War II. Up to 100 players compete against each other simultaneously in historical settings. The focus is on realism and strategy.
Hell Let Loose is considered a hardcore shooter. The game does not provide the player with any special aids. For example, there is no crosshair, no hit marker, or kill confirmation.
You are left to your own devices with your weaponry and teammates on the dark battlefield. Support from the commander, other squads, or artillery must be requested by your officer.
Generally, there is nothing in Hell Let Loose that does not belong in the setting. Bright skins or similar are avoided. The weapons behave like their real-world counterparts, and each soldier has a specific role. Therefore, communication and tactics are enormously important for success.
Who is Hell Let Loose interesting for? Hell Let Loose is interesting for players who want to play a realistic shooter. Additionally, you should not be deterred by the World War II setting and the lack of aids.
In Hell Let Loose, a microphone is very important. Communication with team members is a significant part of the game. Many servers require players to have a microphone. However, those who engage can meet many players. Many servers are designed for a specific region or language.
Every day, there are well-filled servers on which only German is spoken or should be spoken. Of course, you can also play on English-speaking servers. A server browser gives you the opportunity to decide for yourself.
Hell Let Loose has not only recorded an increase in player numbers. The reviews on Steam are also very positive. Of over 46,000 player reviews, 87% are positive. The hardcore shooter is doing better in 2022 than ever before.
Have you tested Hell Let Loose and if so, how did you like the realistic gameplay in World War II?
