Steam’s latest promotion is sure to excite fans of realistic, hardcore first-person shooters: Hell Let Loose, a renowned World War 2 game, is free to play until March 2. Since the start of Steam’s Next Fest 2026 on February 23, PC users have had several interesting games to try at no cost. And now, Hell Let Loose joins the roster as one of the best picks for fans of massive multiplayer experiences.
Hell Let Loose is published by Team17, the company behind several successful indie games on Steam, including Date Everything and Overcooked. It debuted in Early Access in 2019 before receiving its full release in 2021. Developer Expression Games describes Hell Let Loose as “a hardcore World War 2 first-person shooter with epic battles,” and many players say it feels like stepping directly into iconic WW2 film moments, particularly the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan.
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Steam’s Current Free-to-Play Game, Hell Let Loose, Explained
In Hell Let Loose, two 50-player teams clash in realistic battles across massive maps modeled after real-world locations. The overall feel and setting are comparable to games like Battlefield 5, but Hell Let Loose takes a far more hardcore approach to gunplay. Recoil and ballistics play a major role in PvP encounters, making each firefight more skill-driven than in most mainstream multiplayer FPS titles.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
Hell Let Loose features factions representing World War 2 armies such as the USA, Germany, and the Soviet Union. Teams also have more than 10 roles or classes to choose from, each defining a player’s loadout and specialty. And needless to say, the weapons and vehicles are authentic recreations of those used during the war. Some of the familiar firearms include the M1 Carbine, the M1A1 Thompson, and the Bazooka, which may evoke nostalgia for fans of classic WW2 shooters like Call of Duty: World at War.
Cooperation is central to every game mode. Players are often spread across vast maps, relying heavily on nearby teammates to survive. They can share ammo, provide healing, revive one another, and coordinate strategies through voice chat. A built-in command hierarchy further reinforces teamwork, allowing squads to operate under designated leaders and adding to the overall immersion.
According to SteamDB data, Hell Let Loose has averaged around 5,000 concurrent players per day on Steam throughout February 2026.
Hell Let Loose Steam Reviews
As of this writing, Hell Let Loose holds a Very Positive rating on Steam, with over 80 percent of user reviews recommending the game. One positive review reads, “Miles away from BF6 or COD, this game will make you think way more about strategy than ever before.” Another player notes, “There’s a steep learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you feel rewarded.”
A common point of praise in user feedback is the intensity of matches, driven by the game’s focus on realism. “One shot drops you, just like real life,” one player writes, adding that “Hell Let Loose is the most realistic WW2 experience I’ve had.” That said, like many PC FPS titles, Expression Games’ large-scale multiplayer shooter also faces criticism over cheaters and performance issues, which have contributed to some negative reviews.
Now Is the Best Time to Pick Up Hell Let Loose
With Hell Let Loose free to play until March 2, Team17 is also running a limited-time promotion with discounts of up to 75 percent. Through March 5, players who enjoy the free trial can grab the game for around $13 USD, one of its lowest prices ever on Steam. The complete edition bundle is also 71 percent off, giving players access to all available DLC.
Fans considering a purchase should keep in mind that Hell Let Loose‘s crossplay is limited to consoles, meaning PC players cannot team up with those on PS5 or Xbox Series X.
What’s Next for Hardcore WW2 FPS Enthusiasts
While Hell Let Loose seems to draw inspiration from WW2 films like Saving Private Ryan, the franchise’s next chapter shifts to a new battlefield. Expression Games is currently developing Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, a “platoon-based,” massively multiplayer shooter game centered on the Vietnam War.
The upcoming game will carry over the core formula while introducing a fresh setting with new, realistic mechanics. For example, the US Army will have access to helicopters, while Vietnamese forces can navigate complex underground tunnel systems to ambush enemies. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is slated for release in 2026, with more details expected from the developer in the coming months.
- Released
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July 27, 2021
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Black Matter
