Extraction shooters are a dime a dozen these days, making it crucial for new entries to offer something unique to stand out. That's why I was excited to meet with developers from Good Fun Corporation to preview their upcoming game, Hunger. This first-person action-RPG, powered by Unreal Engine 5, uses an extraction loop and aims to differentiate itself from the typical extraction shooter genre.
The developers are keen to avoid being pigeonholed as just another extraction shooter, and based on the impressive early build I saw, Hunger promises to deliver much more. While an Early Access release date remains under wraps, the game is shaping up to be a standout title on Steam.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," perfectly capturing the blend of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set within gritty towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and texture detail are among the best uses of Unreal Engine 5 I've encountered.
While I couldn't go hands-on with the game yet, the developers shared their vision: blending 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 safely. You can switch to a third-person view here, though combat remains first-person. This hub is where you'll interact with unique characters like Piro, the quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask selling items from a neck-worn tray, and Louis, the Stashmaster who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, who has clearly faced the undead before, will queue 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 an extensive dungeon beneath. Players can expect six weather varieties per map, including different times of day, with more dynamic elements to be added post-release. Rea mentioned aiming for 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new area 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 players able to master two at a time.
The game's lore unfolds through the civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can extract missives and maps—categorized as Common, Rare, or Legendary—to uncover the story, gaining XP and piecing together the full narrative back at the Chateau. The developers plan to weave the story further through NPC dialogues, ensuring a rich narrative experience.
Combat in Hunger offers strategic depth; melee attacks allow for silent takedowns, whereas gunfire attracts more undead. The Hunger themselves come in various forms, such as the explosive Bloater and the bleed-inducing Shambler. Players will have access to 33 weapons, ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, with exotic ammo enhancing bullet effects. Dedicated PvP experiences will be available, alongside a Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—to ensure varied progression paths.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION Wishlist
Hunger supports solo and duo play, offering quick progression for those who prefer to go it alone or with a partner. Progression cosmetics, earned through leveling up and defeating bosses, will be available for every weapon and bag. Importantly, Hunger won't be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win mechanics and battle passes, though a "Support the Developers" edition with additional cosmetics will be offered above the $30 standard edition price.
Sessions are designed to last around 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick yet fulfilling gaming session with friends. 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 emphasized.
Though Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the team behind Hell Let Loose seems poised to deliver something special. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.
