Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Opens Its First Free Xbox Playtest Ahead of August Launch

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is available to try on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S for the first time through a free crossplay playtest running from July 24 to July 27, 2026.

The test gives console players an early look at the upcoming tactical shooter before its full release on August 13. It is also available on PlayStation and PC, with crossplay support connecting participants across the supported platforms.

Xbox players can join by searching for the Hell Let Loose: Vietnam Playtest application on the Microsoft Store and downloading it separately from the main game. An active Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription is required to access the online test.

The playtest began at 6am PDT, 9am EDT and 2pm BST on July 24. Access will remain available until July 27, although the exact closing time was not detailed in the announcement.

Đắk Tô Airfield combines infantry and vehicle combat

The test introduces Đắk Tô Airfield, one of the maps planned for the game’s launch.

The battlefield includes heavily defended military positions designed for close range infantry fighting. Players can expect tight engagements around buildings, fortified areas and sections of the airfield where coordinated squad movement will be important.

The open runway and surrounding terrain also provide room for larger vehicle battles. This creates a contrast between compact firefights inside the base and longer range encounters across more exposed areas.

Nearby villages, smaller settlements and jungle sections expand the available routes around the map. Squads can approach objectives from several directions instead of following a single path through the airfield.

The varied terrain should support different roles and tactics. Infantry units can move through buildings and vegetation, while vehicles can use the open areas to support advances or defend key routes.

As with the original Hell Let Loose, success is likely to depend more on communication and positioning than individual performance. The series uses large teams, defined roles and a command structure that rewards organised squads.

The playtest will help assess the Xbox version

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has been tested on PC before, but this is the first opportunity for Xbox and PlayStation players to experience it directly.

The weekend should provide useful information about console performance, controller support and crossplay reliability. Players will also be able to see how well the interface and communication systems work on a television setup.

Large multiplayer battles can place significant demands on hardware and network infrastructure. Performance during the test may not represent the final release, since the development team still has time to make adjustments based on technical data and player feedback.

The game was previously delayed from June to August, giving the developers additional time to complete the launch version. This playtest arrives only a few weeks before release, so it will likely serve as one of the final large public tests.

Xbox Game Pass is required despite the free download

The playtest application itself is free, but online multiplayer access requires an active Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription.

Players without a qualifying subscription will not be able to join on Xbox, even after downloading the application. This requirement is connected to online console multiplayer rather than a separate charge for the test.

The full game is not included as part of the playtest. Progress, settings or unlocks may not transfer to the retail version unless the developers confirm otherwise.

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S on August 13, 2026. The free weekend offers a useful chance to test its large scale combat, new setting and crossplay systems before deciding whether to purchase the full release.