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

In the saturated market of extraction shooters, it's increasingly challenging to carve out a unique niche. That's precisely why I was keen to delve into Hunger, the upcoming zombie-themed first-person action-RPG from Good Fun Corporation, powered by Unreal Engine 5. During my meeting with the developers, they emphasized that Hunger isn't just another extraction shooter, and after seeing their early build, I can confirm it's set to distinguish itself from the generic crowd on Steam.

Hunger - First Screenshots

View 6 ImagesTwo aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea aptly described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," blending first-gen firearms and brutal melee weapons within grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 elevates the game's visual fidelity, with breathtaking foliage, lighting, and texture detail.

While I couldn't go hands-on with the game yet, the demo showcased a promising blend of simplicity and complexity, aiming to merge the ease of ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. Players begin their journey in the Outer Ramparts, a peaceful social hub within the Chateau, where both players and NPCs mingle. Here, players can switch to a third-person perspective for a more immersive experience, though combat remains first-person. The hub features unique characters like Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask who sells items from a tray around his neck, and Louis, the Stashmaster, who manages your inventory and occasionally offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, who has clearly battled zombies before, queues players for expeditions or raids.

The initial Early Access release will include three expansive maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer and featuring a significant dungeon beneath. Each map will have six different weather conditions, ranging from clear noon to foggy sunsets and sunrises, with more dynamic weather planned post-launch. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content, leading players to the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where they'll learn their professions. Players can choose from six professions, split into three gathering and three crafting roles, with the ability to master two at a time.

The game's narrative unfolds amidst a civil conflict triggered by The End, a bacteria that caused the Hunger. Players can uncover lore through Missives and Maps, ranging from Common to Legendary. Extracting with a Missive allows players to read it back at the Chateau for a quest's worth of XP, piecing together the entire story as they progress. The developers plan to weave the narrative seamlessly through NPC dialogue, ensuring every game element is rich with story.

*Hunger* features a variety of zombie types, each with unique qualities. Going melee-only offers the advantage of silence, while shooting attracts more zombies. For instance, the Bloater explodes into a cloud of poisonous gas, whereas the Shambler inflicts bleed damage.

With a total of 33 weapons across melee and ranged categories, from daggers to primitive machine guns, players can also find exotic ammo that adds special effects to their bullets. Dedicated PvP experiences cater to those seeking competitive play, and a Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—offers diverse progression paths beyond PvP. Players can opt to play solo or in duos, with solo or duo play being some of the quickest ways to advance in the game.

HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATIONTBA 2025 WishlistHunger won't be free-to-play, ensuring its design remains uncompromised by pay-to-win mechanics. There will be no battle passes, but a "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics at a higher price point than the standard $30 edition.

As for session length, expeditions are expected to last around 30-35 minutes, making it an ideal game to enjoy briefly with friends before bedtime. Even upon death, every action contributes to XP gains, ensuring no session feels wasted. "If they've played for an hour, we want them to feel like they've meaningfully moved the ball forward for their character," Rea emphasized.

While Hunger is still some time away, the unique vision and detailed world-building from the creators of Hell Let Loose make it a game to watch. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as development progresses.