Extraction shooters are common, but standing out in this crowded genre requires something special. I met with developers from Good Fun Corporation to explore Hunger, their upcoming Unreal Engine 5-powered first-person action-RPG with a zombie-infused extraction loop.
The developers avoid labeling Hunger as just another extraction shooter. Based on an impressive early build—still too early for a confirmed release date—Hunger promises to be far from a typical Steam extraction game.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Hunger grabbed my attention with its striking visual style and stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea calls the aesthetic “Renaissance gothic,” blending early firearms and brutal melee weapons in gritty towns and grand castles. The foliage, lighting, and textures showcase Unreal Engine 5 at its finest.
Gameplay details are still under wraps since my demo was a hands-off preview, but Hunger feels built for longevity. The developers aim to balance the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. You start in the Outer Ramparts, a safe social hub in the Chateau where players and NPCs interact. Like Destiny, you can switch to third-person view here, though combat remains first-person. Meet Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask, selling items from a tray like a 1920s vendor, or Louis, the Stashmaster, who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, with missing fingers from zombie encounters, sets you up for raids.
The Early Access launch includes three one-square-kilometer maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each with a dungeon below. Six weather variations, like clear noon or foggy sunset, add variety, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea targets 50-60 hours of content, unlocking the Cauldron, a new Chateau area where you choose from six professions: three gathering (Scavenging for metals, Conservator for tools, Naturalist for herbs) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, Cooking). You can pick two professions.
The story unfolds in a world ravaged by a bacteria called The End, sparking civil conflict. Lore, like Missives and Maps (Common, Rare, or Legendary), can be extracted for XP and quests back at the Chateau, piecing together the game’s narrative. NPCs also drive the story, with every element infused with lore, per Rea.
Hunger’s zombies vary in traits. Melee combat offers stealth, while firearms draw more enemies. The Bloater, for instance, explodes into toxic gas, and Shambler hits cause bleeding.
With 33 weapons, from daggers to primitive machine guns, and exotic ammo for extra effects, combat is diverse. A Mastery Tree with Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning branches offers progression from levels 10-100, alongside dedicated PvP modes.
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Solo or duo play is viable, with Rea noting it’s a fast way to progress. Leveling up, defeating bosses, or unlocking cosmetics for weapons and bags adds flair. Hunger won’t be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win traps, and skips battle passes. A “Support the Developers” edition offers extra cosmetics above the planned $30 base price.
Expeditions last around 30-35 minutes, making Hunger easy to jump into for quick sessions. Every action contributes to XP, ensuring no session feels wasted. “Players should feel they’ve advanced their character after an hour,” Rea said.
Though still in development, Hunger, from the team behind Hell Let Loose, looks promising and unique. Stay tuned for more updates on IGN as progress continues.
