Overview
The M79 is the US break-action 40mm grenade launcher in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam — a single-shot weapon that delivers explosive rounds at ranges well beyond hand-thrown grenade distance. Confirmed from audio data in the closed beta build. The M79 gives US infantry explosive area-effect capability at the squad level, ideal for clearing covered positions, suppressing enemy clusters, and direct fire into bunkers and fortified points.
Weapon Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Calibre | 40×46mm grenades |
| Magazine | 1 round |
| Fire mode | Single shot, break-action |
| Effective range | Medium (beyond grenade throw, shorter than rifle) |
| Area effect | Yes — explosion radius damages nearby infantry |
| Reload time | TBA at launch |
Historical Background
The M79 entered US service in 1961 and saw its combat debut in Vietnam — earning the nickname “Thumper” or “Blooper” from US troops for its distinctive firing sound. It solved a real tactical problem: the gap in range between a hand-thrown grenade (roughly 30–35 metres) and the nearest indirect fire support. The M79 bridged that gap, letting a single soldier deliver grenades to 300+ metres.
In Vietnam, the M79 grenadier became a standard element of US infantry squads. Its area-effect round was particularly effective against NVA soldiers using the jungle for cover — a well-placed round into dense vegetation where an enemy was spotted could be more effective than aimed rifle fire.
Tactical Use
Against infantry in cover — the M79’s explosion radius damages soldiers behind cover that direct rifle fire cannot reach. A round fired into a treeline or building window where an enemy is sheltering can clear a position that would take a full squad to assault directly.
Against clustered infantry — when enemy units are grouped in the open or behind light cover, a well-placed M79 round does area damage that a single rifle shot cannot replicate.
Against fortified positions — direct fire into bunker openings and window slits. The M79’s flat trajectory at medium range makes it accurate enough to hit specific openings at appropriate distances.
Against NVA tunnel exits — a round into a suspected or visible tunnel exit can deny the position and destroy the spawn infrastructure beneath it.
Reload Discipline
The M79 breaks open, ejects the spent case, and accepts one new round — a deliberate, visible process that takes a moment. After firing, move to cover before reloading. A stationary grenadier in the open during reload is an easy target.
Strengths
- Area-effect damage — clears positions direct rifle fire cannot
- Range beyond hand grenades — indirect fire at squad level
- Effective against NVA in dense cover where aimed shots are impractical
- Direct fire accuracy into bunkers and fortified openings at medium range
- Unique capability within the US infantry unit
Weaknesses
- Single shot before break-action reload — one round per engagement cycle
- Minimum arming distance — not suitable for very close targets
- Requires arc estimation — not a point-and-click weapon
- Ineffective beyond effective range without practice
- Reload exposes you — move to cover before opening the breech
M79 vs M203
Both are 40mm grenade launchers. The M203 is an underbarrel attachment that gives the soldier a primary rifle plus a grenade launcher in a single weapon. The M79 is a dedicated single-purpose launcher — trading the rifle for dedicated grenade capacity. Specific per-class loadout rules will be confirmed after launch.
Related
- M203 — US underbarrel grenade launcher variant
- Anti-Tank class — carries explosive weapons in the US loadout
- Type 67 Grenade — NVA equivalent throwable explosive