Hunger: A Multiplayer RPG with Extraction Loop Gameplay

Extraction shooters have flooded the market, and to truly stand out, a game needs to bring something new to the table. This is why I was thrilled to connect with the developers from Good Fun Corporation to get a sneak peek at Hunger, their upcoming zombie-themed first-person action-RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5, which incorporates an extraction loop.

The team at Good Fun Corporation is clear: they don't want Hunger to be just another entry in the crowded extraction shooter genre. After viewing an early build during my visit, it's evident that Hunger is poised to be a unique addition to the Steam catalog. While an official release date is still under wraps, the excitement around this game is palpable.

Hunger - First Screenshots

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Two elements of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and its graphical fidelity. Game director Maximilian Rea describes the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description given the blend of early firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of filthy towns and grand castles. The visual quality, from the lush foliage to the detailed lighting and textures, showcases one of the most impressive uses of Unreal Engine 5 I've seen to date.

While I couldn't go hands-on during my demo, the gameplay seems designed for longevity. The developers aim to strike a balance between the simplicity of ARC Raiders and the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Players 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 a third-person view, reminiscent of Destiny, though combat will always be in first-person. Interact with Piro, the quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask, who sells items from a neck-worn tray like a 1920s cigarette girl, or manage your inventory with Louis, the Stashmaster, who also hands out quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, sporting missing fingers as a testament to his encounters with zombies, queues you up for expeditions or raids.

Upon the game's Early Access launch, players will explore three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each a square kilometer with an extensive dungeon beneath. Expect six weather varieties per map, including different times of day and atmospheric conditions, with more dynamic elements planned for future updates. Rea estimates around 50-60 hours of content leading to the unlock of the Cauldron, a new area where players choose from six professions—three gathering (Scavenging, Conservator, and Naturalist) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking), with the ability to have two professions at once.

Hunger's narrative unfolds amidst a backdrop of civil conflict triggered by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can uncover and extract lore items like Missives and Maps, which come in Common, Rare, or Legendary tiers. Extracting a Missive grants XP and contributes to piecing together the game's full story. The developers aim to weave narrative seamlessly through NPC interactions, ensuring every element of the game is steeped in story.

Combat in Hunger offers strategic depth: melee attacks allow for silent engagements, whereas gunfire attracts more zombies. Each type of Hunger, like the explosive Bloater or the bleed-inducing Shambler, presents unique challenges. Players have access to 33 weapons, ranging from daggers and pistols to maces and primitive machine guns, with exotic ammo adding special effects to ranged attacks. Dedicated PvP modes cater to competitive players, while a Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—offers diverse progression paths from levels 10 to 100.

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Whether playing solo or in duos, Hunger ensures progression isn't limited to PvP. "Being a solo or duo player isn't a death sentence," Rea emphasizes, highlighting that these modes offer some of the quickest ways to advance. Players can unlock cosmetic rewards by leveling up and defeating bosses, with options for every weapon and bag.

Hunger will not be free-to-play, avoiding the pitfalls of pay-to-win mechanics and eschewing battle passes. Instead, a "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics at a higher price point above the targeted $30 standard edition.

Expeditions in Hunger are designed to last from 30-35 minutes, ensuring players can easily fit in a session and feel accomplished without being tied to a live-service grind. Every action contributes to XP gains, so even upon death, players feel their time was well spent. "If they've played for an hour, we want them to feel like they've meaningfully moved the ball forward for their character," Rea explains.

Although Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the work from the team behind Hell Let Loose promises something truly unique. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as Hunger's development progresses.