Hunger: Multiplayer RPG with Extraction Loop, Yet Unique

Extraction shooters have become ubiquitous, and to truly stand out in this saturated market, a game needs to offer something unique. That's why I was excited to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to get a glimpse of their upcoming game, Hunger. This first-person action-RPG, powered by Unreal Engine 5, introduces a fresh take on the extraction loop genre, infused with a thrilling zombie theme.

The developers at Good Fun Corporation are keen to distance Hunger from the typical extraction shooter label. After seeing an impressive early build, I can confidently say that Hunger is set to redefine the genre. Although the team is still a ways off from their Early Access launch and not ready to share a release window, the anticipation is palpable.

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 described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description as you'll see in the accompanying videos and screenshots. The game blends first-generation firearms with brutal melee weapons set within gritty, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and texture detail are all rendered beautifully, showcasing one of the most impressive uses of Unreal Engine 5 to date.

While I couldn't go hands-on with the game yet, the demo suggests that Hunger is built to last. The developers are aiming for a balance between the simplicity of ARC Raiders and the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. You'll start in the Outer Ramparts, a social hub within the Chateau where violence is prohibited, and both players and NPCs mingle. Here, you can switch to third-person perspective, similar to Destiny, though combat will always be in first-person. You can shop with Piro, the quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask who offers items on a tray around his neck, reminiscent of a 1920s cigarette girl. Louis, the Stashmaster, allows you to manage your inventory and occasionally hands out quests, while Reynauld, the Expedition Master, queues you up for raids, sporting missing fingers as a testament to his encounters with zombies.

The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each a square kilometer with a large dungeon beneath. Expect six weather varieties per map, including clear and foggy noon, sunset, and sunrise, with more dynamic elements to be added post-release. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content, leading to the unlocking of the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where you'll learn one of six professions. These include gathering roles like Scavenging, Conservator, and Naturalist, and crafting roles such as Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking, with the ability to have two professions at a time.

The game's story unfolds amidst a backdrop of civil conflict triggered by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. As you play, you'll find and extract lore items like Missives and Maps, categorized as Common, Rare, or Legendary. Extracting a Missive lets you read it back in the Chateau for a quest's worth of XP, piecing together the game's full narrative. The developers plan to weave the story through NPC dialogue as well, ensuring every game aspect is rich with narrative.

The Hunger themselves vary in qualities and aspects, encouraging strategic combat choices. Opting for melee weapons allows for silent takedowns, while using firearms attracts more Hunger. A notable enemy is the Bloater, which explodes into a cloud of poisonous gas, and the Shambler, causing bleed damage with its hits.

Hunger offers a diverse arsenal of 33 weapons, including daggers, pistols, rifles, maces, and primitive machine guns, with exotic ammo enhancing bullet effects. For those interested in PvP, dedicated experiences will be available. The Mastery Tree system, featuring Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning, allows for diverse progression paths from levels 10 to 100, ensuring varied gameplay beyond just PvP.

HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATIONTBA 2025 Wishlist

You can play Hunger solo or in duos, with Rea assuring that these modes offer quick progression. Cosmetic rewards unlock as you level up and defeat bosses, covering every weapon and bag. Unlike many games in its genre, Hunger won't be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win mechanics and eschewing battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics for a price above the $30 standard edition.

An expedition in Hunger can last around 30-35 minutes, designed to be an accessible evening activity with friends. Even if you die, every session contributes to XP gains, ensuring no playtime feels wasted. Rea emphasized, "If they've played for an hour, we want them to feel like they've meaningfully moved the ball forward for their character."

Though Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the unique blend of action-RPG elements and the zombie theme, crafted by the creators of Hell Let Loose, promises a game worth watching. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as Hunger's development progresses.