"Hunger: A Multiplayer RPG with Extraction Loop, Not Defined by It"

Extraction shooters are flooding the market, making it challenging for new titles to stand out. That's why I was excited to meet with developers from Good Fun Corporation to preview Hunger, their upcoming first-person action-RPG. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Hunger blends zombie survival with an innovative extraction loop, promising to differentiate itself from the typical extraction shooter genre.

The developers are keen to emphasize that Hunger is not just another extraction shooter. My hands-off demo of an early build left a strong impression, showcasing a game that aims to avoid the generic pitfalls of the genre. Although an official release date is still under wraps, Hunger's Early Access launch is eagerly anticipated.

Hunger - First Screenshots

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Two elements of Hunger immediately captured my attention: its visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's style as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label for the mix of first-gen firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of filthy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 delivers exceptional foliage, lighting, and texture detail, making Hunger one of the best-looking games I've seen utilizing this engine.

While I couldn't get hands-on experience yet, the developers shared their vision of combining the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. The game starts in the Outer Ramparts, a social hub within the Chateau where players can interact with NPCs and other players. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, though combat remains first-person. You can shop with Piro, a unique shopkeeper sporting a metal mask, or manage your inventory with Louis, the Stashmaster, who also offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, queues you for expeditions, or raids, and his missing fingers hint at his experience with the zombies.

The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer with an expansive dungeon underneath. Each map will offer six different weather conditions, from clear noon to foggy sunrise, with more dynamic elements planned for future updates. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new area where players learn one of six professions—three for gathering and three for crafting. Players can master two professions simultaneously.

The game's narrative unfolds amidst civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can discover and extract lore items like Missives and Maps, which range from Common to Legendary. Extracting a Missive allows you to read it back at the Chateau for XP and piece together the game's full story. NPC dialogue will also weave the narrative throughout the gameplay experience.

Hunger offers a variety of zombie types, each with unique qualities. Opting for melee combat allows for stealth, whereas using firearms attracts more zombies. For example, the Bloater explodes into poisonous gas, while the Shambler inflicts bleed damage. With 33 weapons ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, and exotic ammo that adds special effects, players have plenty of options. Dedicated PvP modes will cater to competitive players, and a Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—offers diverse progression paths beyond PvP. Levels from 10-100 grant mastery points, ensuring multiple ways to advance.

HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATIONTBA 2025 Wishlist

Hunger supports solo and duo play, with Rea emphasizing that these modes are viable ways to progress quickly. Cosmetics are unlocked through leveling up and defeating bosses, covering every weapon and bag. Unlike many games, Hunger won't be free-to-play, aiming to avoid pay-to-win issues and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will include extra cosmetics and is priced above the standard $30 edition.

Expeditions in Hunger are designed to last around 30-35 minutes, making it an ideal game for quick sessions with friends before bed. Every session contributes to XP gains, ensuring no playtime feels wasted. Rea's goal is for players to feel they've made meaningful progress after playing for an hour.

Although Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the team behind Hell Let Loose is crafting a unique experience that's definitely worth watching. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as development progresses.