Hunger: A Multiplayer RPG with Extraction Loop Mechanics

Extraction shooters have become ubiquitous in the gaming world, making it essential for new entries to offer something unique to stand out. This is precisely why I was excited to meet with developers from Good Fun Corporation to explore their latest project, Hunger. This upcoming game combines the thrill of a zombie-themed first-person action-RPG with the mechanics of an extraction loop, powered by Unreal Engine 5. The developers are keen to distinguish Hunger from the typical extraction shooter, and after seeing an impressive early build, it's clear that Hunger is poised to redefine the genre rather than blend into the Steam crowd.

Hunger - First Screenshots

View 6 ImagesTwo aspects of Hunger immediately captured my attention: its distinctive visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description given the blend of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The game's use of Unreal Engine 5 delivers breathtaking foliage, lighting, and texture details, marking it as one of the most visually impressive uses of the engine to date.

While I couldn't experience the gameplay firsthand during this hands-off demo, the developers shared their vision of combining the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Players begin in the Outer Ramparts, a safe social hub within the Chateau, where they can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, players can switch to a third-person perspective, though combat remains strictly first-person. Key figures include Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a unique metal mask, and Louis, the Stashmaster who manages player inventories and quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, initiates players into expeditions or raids, bearing the scars of previous encounters with zombies.

The initial Early Access release of Hunger will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer and featuring expansive dungeons. Players can expect a variety of weather conditions, from clear noon to foggy sunsets, with more dynamic weather systems planned post-launch. Rea emphasized the game's substantial content, aiming for 50-60 hours of gameplay, after which players unlock the Cauldron, a new Chateau area dedicated to learning one of six professions—three gathering and three crafting roles.

Hunger's narrative is deeply integrated into its gameplay. Set against the backdrop of civil conflict triggered by the bacteria known as The End, players can uncover lore through Missives and Maps, which vary in rarity from Common to Legendary. Extracting with a Missive allows players to read and gain XP from its contents back at the Chateau. The developers plan to further enrich the story through NPC dialogues, ensuring that every aspect of the game is infused with narrative.

The game introduces a variety of Hunger types, each with unique qualities. Choosing a melee-only approach offers the advantage of stealth, while using firearms attracts more zombies. For instance, the Bloater, a blob-like creature, releases poisonous gas upon exploding, while the Shambler inflicts bleed damage.

Hunger boasts an arsenal of 33 weapons, ranging from daggers and pistols to maces and primitive machine guns, with exotic ammo adding special effects to bullets. For players seeking PvP action, dedicated experiences are available. Additionally, a Mastery Tree allows players to level from 10-100, gaining points in four trees: Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning, ensuring varied progression paths beyond PvP. The game supports solo and duo play, with Rea assuring that these modes offer some of the fastest ways to progress.

HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATIONTBA 2025 WishlistHunger will not be free-to-play, which aims to preserve its integrity without pay-to-win elements or battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics, priced above the standard $30 edition.

Sessions in Hunger are designed to last from 30-35 minutes, making it easy to enjoy a quick game with friends before bed, without feeling tied to a live-service model. Even in death, all actions contribute 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's release is still on the horizon, the early glimpses provided by the team behind Hell Let Loose suggest a unique and engaging experience. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates on Hunger as development progresses.