Hue Outskirts

Huế Outskirts brings the Battle of Huế – part of the larger Tết Offensive – to Hell Let Loose: Vietnam. It's a map defined by constrained engagements and close-quarters combat.

Gameplay & Strategies

Though much of Huế Outskirts in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is mountainous terrain and terraced farms – on top of the familiar jungles and forests – the bulk of the action happens in a big industrial area surrounded by wide waterways and dirt roads where every encounter can be the last.

As teams venture into the fortified US Armed Forces base and the industrial buildings, keeping track of enemy movement around every corner and inside the structures is key to successfully clearing out the zone. The tense approach might lead to intense fights and bottlenecks as both factions pour more of their soldiers in.

The industrial areas, however, lack the natural cover provided by the lush jungle, so recon soldiers and snipers can maneuver around such key points to establish forward outposts that can make respawns more useful for their teams, all while firing on unsuspecting soldiers who aren't behind cover. Tanks are also crucial to crack the enemy defences and clear out any resistance, provided they're supported by infantry; even the central buildings are perfect for explosive ambushes.

History

The Battle of Huế happened between January 31, 1968, and March 2 of the same year. Lasting roughly a month, it saw the North Vietnam and Việt Cộng forces conquering the city of Huế and its surroundings in central Vietnam. After prolonged fighting, the South Vietnamese and US forces were able to gradually recapture the city. According to historians and accounts of the battle, it's considered to be one of the bloodiest urban battles ever fought.

During the Vietnamese Tết Lunar New Year, the critical supply line and border city was attacked as most ARVN forces were on leave, which left the city poorly defended. As the 1st Division cancelled the Tết leave and recalled troops, the South Vietnamese and American forces struggled to defend all the military targets and hot population points spread across the country.

During the conflict, the city of Huế was almost entirely destroyed and it's possible that around 8,000 civilians died, many of them executed by the attackers. Reports talk of the PAVN-VC losing between 1,042 and 5,133 soldiers, while the Allies lost 708 and had 4,254 wounded. Nowadays, Huế is a popular tourist destination with an impressive complex of imperial palaces, tombs, and temples.