We have something for you, fans of realistic World War II multiplayer shooters! With Squad 44 and Hell Let Loose serving as the most popular options available for this game genre. It can be overwhelming to choose which one to play. But which one offers the better overall experience? This Squad 44 game review will guide you to a detailed comparison of these two intense tactical shooters. So you can decide which battlefield is best for you!
Setting and Atmosphere
Both games aim to recreate the brutal realities of World War II combat, but take slightly different approaches:
Squad 44 focuses on accurately depicting specific historical battles and operations, like Operation Market Garden. The developers have gone to great lengths to recreate actual battlefields and scenarios from the war. This attention to historical detail helps immerse players in the time period.
However, Hell Let Loose also recreates the iconic WWII battles across the Western and Eastern fronts. There are three playable factions, which are American, German, and Soviet. Each is equipped with historically accurate weapons and equipment. It also has large-scale 50v50 battles that portray the epic scope of the war.
Although both games nail the WWII setting, Squad 44 has a slight edge over Hell Let Loose in terms of historical accuracy and immersion.
Gameplay and Realism 
Squad 44 and Hell Let Loose both emphasize tactical teamwork over run-and-gun action. However, there are some key differences in their gameplay:
Squad 44 features a steep learning curve and unforgiving gameplay. There’s no minimap, and friendly fire is always on. The game focuses heavily on communication and coordinating with your squad. Matches involve methodically advancing and securing objectives rather than racking up kills.
Hell Let Loose is slightly more accessible to new players than Squad 44. It has large-scale battles featuring combined arms warfare, including infantry, tanks, and artillery. Resource management and building defensive structures add strategic depth.
Both games prioritize realism, with one-shot kills being common. Squad 44 leans more heavily into hardcore mil-sim territory, while Hell Let Loose strikes a better balance between realism and gameplay.
Visuals and Performance
In terms of graphics, both games impress with their detailed environments and character models. However, performance is where we see some differences:
Squad 44 suffers from optimization issues, with players reporting frame rate drops and stuttering even on powerful hardware. The developers are still working on improving performance.
Hell Let Loose runs more smoothly overall, though it can still be demanding at max settings. Its lighting and particle effects are particularly impressive, creating a cinematic atmosphere.
While Squad 44 may have a slight edge in raw graphical fidelity, Hell Let Loose offers a better-performing and more polished visual experience currently.
Classes and Progression
Both games feature class-based gameplay but handle it differently:
Squad 44 offers multiple specialized roles like Rifleman, Machine Gunner, Medic, etc. However, there’s limited customization within these roles. Loadouts are mostly preset to maintain historical accuracy.
There are 14 distinct classes with unique abilities and equipment in Hell Loose. With an even more extensive progression system, players can unlock new weapons and cosmetics over time.
This makes Hell Let Loose appealing to players looking for a sense of advancement.
Community and Teamwork
The social aspects are crucial for both games:
Squad 44 places extreme emphasis on squad coordination and communication. However, the high skill ceiling can make it intimidating for new players.
Hell Let Loose also requires teamwork, but has a somewhat more approachable community for beginners. That said, many players report inconsistent use of voice chat in public matches.
Both games shine when played with a communicative team, but Squad 44 demands a higher level of coordination.
The Verdict
Which one comes out on top for you? It is definitely hard to come up with a clear winner on which game is better than another. Here’s a summary to help you figure it out.
Choose Squad 44 if you want:
- The most hardcore and realistic WWII combat simulation
- Intense focus on tactical squad play
- Meticulously recreated historical battles
Choose Hell Let Loose if you prefer:
- Slightly more accessible gameplay with room for individual play
- Large-scale combined arms warfare
- More extensive progression and customization options
Ultimately, both games offer compelling and intense WWII experiences. Squad 44 is the more niche hardcore sim, while Hell Let Loose casts a slightly wider net while still maintaining high levels of realism. Whichever you choose, prepare for a challenging but rewarding trip to the frontlines of history.
