Hunger: A Multiplayer RPG with Extraction Loop Gameplay

In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out requires something special. That's why I was thrilled to meet with developers from Good Fun Corporation, the team behind Hunger, an upcoming first-person action-RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5. With its unique extraction loop and a zombie-themed twist, Hunger is poised to break away from the generic mold of its genre.

The team at Good Fun Corporation, who also developed Hell Let Loose, showcased an impressive early build of Hunger. Although they're not ready to announce a release window, the anticipation is palpable. Hunger promises to be more than just another addition to the crowded Steam marketplace.

Hunger - First Screenshots

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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and the stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea describes the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description for the mix of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and texture detail in Hunger are among the best I've seen in any game using Unreal Engine 5.

While I couldn't go hands-on with the game yet, the developers outlined their vision for Hunger. They aim to blend the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. The game starts in the Outer Ramparts, a social, violence-free hub within the Chateau, where players can switch to third-person view for a more relaxed experience. Here, you'll meet characters like Piro, the quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask who sells items from a tray around his neck, and Louis, the Stashmaster who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, with his missing fingers, signifies his encounters with zombies and initiates players into expeditions, or raids.

At the Early Access launch, Hunger will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each a square kilometer with an expansive dungeon beneath. Expect varied weather conditions, from clear noon to foggy sunsets, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content before players unlock the Cauldron, a new area where they can choose from six professions—three for gathering (Scavenging, Conservator, Naturalist) and three for crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, Cooking). Players can master two professions simultaneously.

The narrative of Hunger is woven around a civil conflict triggered by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can uncover lore through Missives and Maps, which come in Common, Rare, or Legendary forms. Extracting with a Missive allows you to read it back at the Chateau for XP, and collecting them all reveals the game's full story. The developers also plan to integrate the story through NPC dialogue, ensuring every aspect of the game is rich with narrative.

In Hunger, different types of zombies, or Hunger, have unique attributes. Opting for melee combat allows for stealth, while shooting attracts more enemies. For example, the Bloater explodes into poisonous gas, and the Shambler inflicts bleed damage.

Players can choose from 33 weapons, ranging from daggers and pistols to maces and primitive machine guns. Exotic ammo adds special effects to the bullets. For those interested in PvP, dedicated experiences are available. A Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—allows players to level up from 10-100, offering diverse progression paths beyond PvP.

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Whether playing solo or in duos, progression is accessible and rewarding. "Being a solo or duo player isn't a death sentence," Rea emphasized. "In fact, it's one of the quickest ways to progress in the game." As players level up, kill bosses, and achieve milestones, they unlock cosmetic items for weapons and bags.

Hunger will not be free-to-play, ensuring design integrity without pay-to-win elements or battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics for a price above the $30 standard edition.

Sessions in Hunger are designed to be manageable, with expeditions lasting around 30-35 minutes, making it easy to enjoy a quick play session with friends. Even in 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 stated.

Although Hunger is still some time away, the unique vision and early promise shown by Good Fun Corporation make it a game to watch. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.