Hunger: A Multiplayer RPG with Extraction Loop Gameplay

In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out requires a unique twist. That's precisely what piqued my interest when I had the chance to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to preview their upcoming game, Hunger. This zombie-themed, Unreal Engine 5-powered first-person action-RPG aims to redefine the genre by focusing on its extraction loop, distancing itself from being just another run-of-the-mill extraction shooter. Based on an early build that I was shown—although the team is not ready to announce an official release date yet—it's clear that Hunger is shaping up to be a standout title in the Steam marketplace.

Hunger - First Screenshots

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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its distinctive visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's style as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label given the blend of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of gritty, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The game leverages Unreal Engine 5 to deliver exceptional foliage, lighting, and texture details, showcasing one of the most impressive uses of the engine I've seen to date.

While I couldn't go hands-on with the game yet, the demo provided a promising glimpse into its mechanics. The developers are aiming for a balance between the simplicity of ARC Raiders and the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Starting in the social, violence-free hub known as the Outer Ramparts within the Chateau, players can interact with others and NPCs. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, unlike the first-person view used during combat. You'll encounter Piro, a unique shopkeeper with a metal mask and a tray of goods worn around his neck, reminiscent of a 1920s cigarette girl. Louis, the Stashmaster, allows you to manage your inventory and offers quests, while Reynauld, the Expedition Master—bearing scars of his encounters with zombies—prepares you for expeditions or raids.

The initial Early Access release will feature three expansive maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each one square kilometer with a large dungeon beneath. Expect varied weather conditions including clear and foggy noons, sunsets, and sunrises, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea estimates around 50-60 hours of content leading to the unlock of the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where players can choose from six professions. These include gathering roles like Scavenging, Conservator, and Naturalist, and crafting roles such as Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking. Players can select two professions at once.

The game's narrative is woven into the gameplay through items like Missives and Maps, which come in Common, Rare, or Legendary varieties. Extracting with a Missive allows you to read it back in the Chateau for XP, piecing together the game's story as you progress. NPC dialogue further enriches the storytelling, as Rea emphasized the intention to infuse every aspect of the game with narrative depth.

Combat in Hunger offers strategic depth with 33 weapons spanning melee and ranged options, including daggers, pistols, rifles, maces, and primitive machine guns. Exotic ammo can enhance your firearms with special effects. Melee combat allows for stealth, whereas shooting attracts more zombies, such as the Bloater, which explodes into poisonous gas, and the Shambler, which inflicts bleed damage. Dedicated PvP experiences cater to competitive players, while a Mastery Tree from levels 10-100 offers progression through four categories: Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning, ensuring diverse gameplay paths beyond PvP.

HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATIONTBA 2025 Wishlist

Hunger will not be free-to-play, avoiding potential pay-to-win issues and eschewing battle passes. Instead, a "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics, priced above the $30 standard edition. This pricing strategy aims to maintain the integrity of the game's design.

For those concerned about session length, expeditions might last from 30-35 minutes, making Hunger a perfect game to enjoy briefly with friends before turning in for the night. Importantly, every session contributes to XP gains, ensuring no time spent feels wasted. As Rea stated, "If they've played for an hour, we want them to feel like they've meaningfully moved the ball forward for their character."

Although Hunger is still some time away, the early impressions from the team behind Hell Let Loose suggest they are crafting a unique and compelling experience. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as the development of Hunger progresses.