"Hunger: A Multiplayer RPG with Unique Extraction Mechanics"

The extraction shooter genre has become saturated, making it crucial for new entries to bring something fresh to the table. That's why I was excited to meet with developers from Good Fun Corporation to preview their upcoming game, Hunger. This zombie-themed first-person action-RPG, powered by Unreal Engine 5, aims to break the mold with its unique extraction loop.

The developers at Good Fun Corporation are keen to distance Hunger from being just another extraction shooter. From the impressive early build I saw, it's clear that Hunger is poised to offer a distinct experience in the Steam ecosystem. While an exact release date for Early Access remains under wraps, the anticipation is high.

Hunger - First Screenshots

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What immediately caught my attention about Hunger were its visual style and graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the aesthetic as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label for the game's blend of early firearms and brutal melee weapons set within gritty, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and texture detail, powered by Unreal Engine 5, are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing one of the engine's most impressive applications to date.

While I couldn't get hands-on with the game yet, Hunger seems designed for longevity. The developers aim to combine the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. The game starts in the Outer Ramparts, a social hub within the Chateau where players and NPCs mingle without violence. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, though combat remains first-person. You can interact with characters like Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask, or Louis, the Stashmaster who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, with his missing fingers, queues you into expeditions, or raids.

The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer with a large dungeon beneath. Each map will have six weather varieties, including clear noon, foggy noon, sunset, and sunrise, with more dynamic elements planned post-release. Rea mentioned aiming for 50-60 hours of content, after which players unlock the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where they can learn one of six professions: three gathering (Scavenging, Conservator, Naturalist) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, Cooking). Players can have two professions at a time.

The game's narrative revolves around a civil conflict triggered by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can find and extract lore items like Missives and Maps, which are categorized as Common, Rare, or Legendary. Extracting a Missive allows you to read it back at the Chateau for XP and piece together the game's story. The developers plan to weave the narrative through NPC dialogue as well, ensuring a rich storytelling experience.

The Hunger enemies vary in qualities and aspects, making melee combat advantageous for its silence, while shooting attracts more foes. For instance, the Bloater explodes into poisonous gas, and the Shambler causes bleed damage. With 33 weapons available, ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, players can find exotic ammo to enhance bullet effects. Dedicated PvP experiences are also on offer, alongside a Mastery Tree with four branches: Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning, allowing for diverse progression paths beyond PvP.

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Hunger supports solo and duo play, with Rea emphasizing that these modes are viable and quick ways to progress. Players can unlock progression cosmetics by leveling up and defeating bosses, with options available for every weapon and bag.

Hunger will not be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win mechanics and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics, priced above the $30 standard edition.

Expeditions in Hunger are designed to last around 30-35 minutes, making it easy to play a session and feel accomplished without being tied to a live-service model. Even if you die, your actions contribute to XP gains, ensuring every session feels meaningful. Rea emphasized that players should feel they've progressed their character after playing for an hour.

Although Hunger is still some time away, the early glimpses suggest that Good Fun Corporation, the team behind Hell Let Loose, is crafting something unique and worth watching. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates on Hunger as development progresses.