As part of the Steam Free Weekend Celebration Hell Let Loose is free to play and, for many of you new recruits, this might be the perfect chance to jump in for the very first time.

You're probably eager to experience intense battles across some of the most iconic locations of WWII, but you might also be wondering where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

To help you hit the ground running, we’ve pulled together a few key pointers and resources to guide you on your first mission. Whether you're joining a squad, learning the ropes, or just figuring out what role suits you best, these tips will help you make the most of your first deployment.

Why communication is so important

Whether you're talking to your squad mates, your commanding officer, or players nearby, effective communication in Hell Let Loose is absolutely crucial. It's not just the difference between winning and losing. It also has a huge impact on how much you enjoy the game.

When communication breaks down, things can quickly spiral. You’ll find yourself stuck in a frustrating cycle of spawning, running, and dying while your team gets steamrolled. If you want to avoid that, and actually start turning the tide in your matches, learning to communicate clearly and consistently is key.

Our War Correspondents have pulled together some video guides on how you can improve your communication in game as you jump into the action this weekend!

How to guides

We know that jumping into Hell Let Loose for the first time can feel overwhelming. With a wide variety of maps, weapons, and experienced players, it’s natural to wonder where to begin.

That’s why we’ve been working with our War Correspondents to create a dedicated playlist on the official Hell Let Loose YouTube channel—featuring guides and tutorials specifically designed to help new players get started.

If you have ideas for additional guides or topics you'd like us to cover, we’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on the Hell Let Loose Discord Server and share your suggestions.

Finding the Right Server

In Hell Let Loose, choosing the right server can be just as important as learning the game itself. With a wide range of official and community-operated servers available, it helps to know where to begin, especially if you're new to the battlefield.

Thankfully, SoulSniper, one of our trusted War Correspondents, has some top tips to help you find a newcomer-friendly experience:

1. Look for servers labelled “New Players Welcome” or “Noob Friendly”

These are excellent starting points for beginners. They often come with active moderation and helpful players ready to teach you the ropes.

An example of what to look for in the server names would be something like the following: SOULSNIPER'S SOF | NEW PLAYERS WELCOME | DISCORD.GG/SOULSNIPER

2. Avoid servers with level restrictions until you're more experienced

Some community servers have minimum level requirements (e.g. Level 50+), and may auto-kick lower-level players, which can be frustrating early on. These would look something like this: SERVER NAME | LEVEL 50+ | DISCORD URL.

3. Official vs. Community Servers

Official Servers are easy to join and widely available, but they often lack active moderation. This can make them less welcoming to new players.
Community Servers, on the other hand, are usually well-managed and more friendly to newcomers. Many have active admins, Discord communities, and dedicated regulars.

Here are a few standout community-run servers that are known for being welcoming and well-organised:

For our North American players these are a few of SoulSniper's favourites, however there are so many other incredible community servers out there too.

SoulSniper’s SOF
Draft Haus
The Outpost
Glows Battleground

For our European players, here are also some recommendations.

EXD
PBS
82AD
For Tea & Country

There are so many more that we could highlight as well, so be sure to jump in and try them for yourself!

4. Join the server’s Discord if they have one

If you enjoy a particular server, we highly recommend joining their Discord. It's a great way to:

Meet regulars and make friends
Ask questions and get tips
Stay up to date on community events
Find squadmates for coordinated gameplay

5. Join the 'Soldiers of Fortune'

SoulSniper proudly runs his own server: SOULSNIPER'S SOF | NEW PLAYERS WELCOME

With over 10,500 members in our Discord community, it's a vibrant hub of experienced veterans and new players alike. Whether you're here to learn, lead, or just have some fun, you'll find a welcoming and active group ready to play the game the way it's meant to be enjoyed.

“With an awesome blend of chill, experienced players and newcomers learning the ropes, I hope you’ll come join us for some great games. See you on the battlefield!” – SoulSniper

Want to join?
Look for SOULSNIPER'S SOF | NEW PLAYERS WELCOME in the in-game server list or hop into our Discord at discord.gg/soulsniper

Steam Free Weekend & Publisher Sale

If you're on PC or using a Steam Deck, don’t miss out! Dive into the action during our Free Weekend Celebration on Steam.

The event kicks off today, Thursday, 12th June, and runs all weekend long, ending on Monday, 16th June. Experience the full game for free while the event lasts!

Plus, all editions of the game are 50% off in the Team17 Publisher Sale. If you enjoy the free weekend, it’s the perfect time to grab the game at a great discount!

And that’s not all—we’re offering up to 90% off other Team17 titles, so be sure to check out the full range of games on offer!

Play the game on Steam today!

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