Overview
The RPG-2 is the North Vietnamese Army’s primary rocket-propelled grenade launcher in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam — a direct-fire anti-armour weapon capable of destroying light vehicles and threatening heavily armoured targets. Confirmed from audio data in the closed beta build, including distinct explosion and rocket projectile sounds.
The RPG-2 is the NVA Anti-Tank role’s defining weapon and the primary ground-based counter to US M48 Patton tanks and patrol boats.
Weapon Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Rocket-propelled grenade |
| Fire mode | Single shot |
| Effective range | Short to medium |
| Reload | Manual per shot |
| Damage vs armour | TBA at launch |
| Damage vs infantry | TBA at launch |
Historical Background
The RPG-2 was a Soviet-designed anti-tank grenade launcher supplied to North Vietnam in large quantities from the early 1960s. Simple, cheap, and reliable, it became the standard NVA and Viet Cong anti-armour tool throughout the conflict.
In reality the RPG-2’s effective range against moving armour was limited — roughly 100–150 metres for a reliable hit. NVA doctrine therefore emphasised ambush tactics: getting close to the target vehicle before firing, rather than engaging at distance. The same approach will apply in HLL: Vietnam — the RPG-2 rewards patience and positioning over ranged precision.
Anti-Armour Usage
Against the M48 Patton, the RPG-2 follows the same principles as all anti-tank weapons in HLL:
- Target the rear — rear armour is thinnest and most vulnerable; a rear hit is more likely to destroy or cripple than a front hit
- Coordinate with other AT — two RPG-2 shots from different angles simultaneously create a problem the tank commander cannot solve
- Use tunnels for insertion — emerging from a tunnel exit behind a US armoured column gives you the rear-angle shot without having to flank through contested ground
- Destroy the tracks first — an immobilised tank is a static target; a moving tank is a much harder one
Anti-Infantry Usage
The RPG-2’s explosion also makes it effective against infantry in the open and light cover. A direct hit or near-miss will eliminate infantry. Use it against:
- Clustered infantry advancing across open ground
- Light vehicles and patrol boats
- Building walls and defensive positions — the explosion radius is large enough to affect soldiers behind cover
Reload
The RPG-2 is a single-shot weapon that requires manual reloading between each shot. In a sustained anti-armour engagement this means:
- Fire, move to cover, reload before re-engaging
- Never stand exposed to reload after a shot — the tank crew will respond immediately
- Coordinate with a second AT player to maintain continuous threat while one reloads
Strengths
- Primary NVA anti-armour capability
- Effective against M48 Patton, patrol boats, and light vehicles
- Explosion area effect against infantry in the open
- NVA tunnel network makes flanking for rear shots far more achievable
- Instantly lethal on a direct hit against most targets
Weaknesses
- Single shot between reloads — leaves you vulnerable mid-engagement
- Back blast danger to nearby teammates
- Limited effective range compared to heavier AT options
- Requires close approach for reliable hits against moving armour
- High priority target for enemy infantry once your position is identified
Related
- Anti-Tank class — the role that carries the RPG-2
- M48 Patton — primary armoured target
- Tunnel Warfare — enables flanking for rear-angle shots
- M72 LAW — US equivalent