Introducing our next map; Smolensk.
[p align="start"]We are excited to announce Smolensk, the newest map coming to Hell Let Loose in Update 19. This is will be our latest addition to the Eastern Front, taking players to Western Russia along the Dnieper River.[/p][p align="start"]Smolensk was created in direct response to community requests for more urban Eastern Front battlefields. It also happens to be the largest urban map in Hell Let Loose so far, offering a scale and intensity that sets it apart from anything we have released before.[/p][p]Please note: the Smolensk images shared below are in-engine renders. An upcoming Smolensk dev brief will feature the first in-game screenshots, offering a more accurate look at the map’s gameplay environment.[/p][p] [/p][p][img src="https://26630753.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26630753/Hell%20Let%20Loose/Dev%20Brief%20208/Smolensk_City_02.png"][/img]Smolensk - Hell Let Loose In-Engine Render[/p][p][/p]Historical setting
[p align="start"]Set in 1943, Smolensk captures a pivotal moment in the Suvorov Operation, where Soviet forces launched a major offensive to retake the city from German control. Smolensk had previously fallen in 1941 during the early stages of Operation Barbarossa, the German Forces invasion of the Soviet Union.[/p][p align="start"]The battle depicted in our map took place between 7 August and 2 October 1943[/p][p align="start"]The Battle for Smolensk was a turning point in the war on the Eastern Front. Not only did it mark the beginning of the end for Germany’s plans to occupy the Soviet Union, it was also a critical victory for the Red Army. The city itself was a strategic objective, and its liberation helped split German forces from other battles including the Battle of the Dnieper, weakening their defensive hold across the region.[/p][p][/p]What makes Smolensk unique?
[p align="start"]When designing Smolensk, one of our key goals was to deliver variety in gameplay. The map blends several distinct environments, encouraging players to adapt their tactics as the battle shifts from one area to another.[/p][p align="start"]The northern sector places you in the city’s industrial core, filled with warehouses, train lines, and heavy structures that create opportunities for both close-quarters combat and armoured pushes. Heading further south, you enter the urban heart of Smolensk, where narrow streets and residential blocks set the stage for intense city fighting. Beyond the city, the map opens into rural terrain along the Dnieper River, with accessible bridges upriver allowing forces to cross between the banks.[/p][p align="start"]Together these contrasting environments create a battlefield that is as diverse as it is challenging.[/p][p][/p]Map Rationale
[p align="start"]What truly sets Smolensk apart is the way its features reshape how battles unfold. The train tracks and the Dnieper River both cut vertically through the map instead of running across it, creating new lanes of movement and forcing teams to think carefully about positioning and flanking.[/p][p align="start"]At the same time, the introduction of three-storey buildings, fortified walls, and an overpass brings vertical combat into sharper focus. Players will need to look up as often as they look ahead, with enemies able to position themselves in ways not seen before in Hell Let Loose.[/p][p][/p]The City
[p align="start"]At the core of the map lies the city centre of Smolensk. Players can expect a mix of intact and destroyed buildings, warehouses, and industrial areas woven into a network of crossroads. The urban setting offers both wide avenues ideal for vehicle combat and narrow side streets perfect for close-quarters infantry action. Tram tracks running through the city add another layer of atmosphere and tactical consideration.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/34012997/4f5eb3e210a5d9344a0a8bf6087c7ff0215bf659.png"][/img]Smolensk - Hell Let Loose In-Engine Render[/p][p][/p]The River
[p align="start"]The Dnieper River forms a natural barrier running through the southern part of the map. Unlike many rivers in Hell Let Loose, this one can be crossed on foot almost anywhere thanks to its shallow depth. Vehicles are also able to pass through the shallow river as well, whilst bridges and pontoons remain convenient crossing options. Tree lines and remnants of old city walls along the banks create excellent opportunities for ambushes, and the varied elevation around the river adds a vertical dimension to combat.[/p][p][/p]The Train Station
[p align="start"]Cutting across the map are train tracks, complete with a unique station building that will become a focal point of many engagements. The tracks run under road bridges and past warehouses, creating layered combat scenarios where infantry, armour, and artillery all play vital roles. Securing these positions can open up new flanking routes or deny the enemy critical movement options.[/p][p][/p]When will the Second Battle of Smolensk commence
[p align="start"]You’ll be able to experience Smolensk for yourself when Update 19 arrives in November. Alongside this new map, the update will introduce brand new armoured vehicles: Self-Propelled Artillery (SPAs). We will be sharing more about their role in the battlefield in a future Dev Brief, so make sure to follow our socials to stay up to date.[/p][p][/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/34012997/68e459859b64c1d48d6bbfe5a7629303cf6b1c13.png"][/img]Smolensk - Hell Let Loose In-Engine Render[/p][p][/p]Update 18 - Coming Next Month
[p align="start"]Before then, Update 18 will be launching across all platforms in early-October 2025. You can already catch a glimpse of what’s on the way through some of our recent Dev Briefs:[/p]- [p]Dev Brief #206 | VFX Improvements | Stalingrad & Update 18[/p][/*]
- [p]Dev Brief #207 | Armour Rework | Stalingrad & Update 18[/p][/*]
- [p]BTS Early Look | Stalingrad Refresh | Update 18[/p][/*]
