Rising Storm 2: Vietnam is a multiplayer first-person shooter set during the Vietnam War. It pits American and South Vietnamese forces against North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong troops in large-scale online battles that emphasize realistic ballistics, limited resources, and coordinated squad play on PC.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around infantry combat across expansive jungle, village, and urban maps that support up to 64 participants. Players select from specialized roles within their faction, each carrying distinct weapons and equipment suited to the era. American and ARVN soldiers rely on conventional firearms, while opposing forces employ guerrilla tactics including traps and ambushes. Commander abilities such as artillery barrages, napalm strikes, and air support add layers of strategic depth that require radiomen and squad leaders to coordinate effectively. Movement and visibility play key roles, with dense foliage and camouflage options favoring stealth approaches over open engagements. The experience rewards patience and communication over individual heroics, as one well-placed shot or missed opportunity can shift momentum quickly.
Game Modes
Three primary modes structure the matches. Territories focuses on sequential capture and defense of objectives that advance the front line. Supremacy spreads control points across broader areas where teams contest multiple locations simultaneously. Skirmish offers smaller, faster-paced encounters that still retain the same emphasis on role specialization and faction asymmetry. Each mode appears on maps drawn from real historical locations, with objectives that reflect the back-and-forth nature of the conflict.
Factions and Customization
Four factions participate: the United States Army and Marine Corps, the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), the North Vietnamese Army, and the Viet Cong. Each side features unique loadouts and support options that create clear tactical differences. Cosmetic options expand visual variety for ARVN troops through items such as the Spirit Visor, Shades, Camo M1 Helmet, Pinned Boonie, Tiger Tattoo, Tiger Camo Shirt, Torn Pants, and Pencil Mustache. These elements become available immediately rather than through progression, allowing players to personalize their appearance while maintaining the historical aesthetic.
Is It Worth Playing?
The title maintains an active player base years after release, with concurrent counts typically ranging from several hundred to over five hundred during peak hours and dozens of populated servers available. Recent quality-of-life updates continue to address issues like voice communication and exploits. The steep learning curve suits those who enjoy methodical, teamwork-driven shooters rather than fast-paced arcade action. Players seeking authentic Vietnam War infantry combat with meaningful role differentiation and commander systems will find consistent matches and ongoing support. Those preferring solo experiences or modern settings may want to sample a session first to gauge the deliberate pace.
