In the saturated world of extraction shooters, it's challenging to carve out a unique niche. That's why I was intrigued to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to preview their upcoming game, Hunger. This first-person action-RPG, powered by Unreal Engine 5, promises a fresh take on the genre by integrating a zombie-themed extraction loop.

The developers are keen to distance Hunger from being categorized simply as another extraction shooter. After experiencing an early build, I can confidently say that Hunger is poised to distinguish itself significantly from the typical offerings found on Steam. While an official release date remains under wraps, the anticipation is palpable.

Hunger - First Screenshots

View 6 ImagesTwo aspects of Hunger immediately captured my attention: its visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description. The game blends first-generation firearms with brutal melee weapons, set against the backdrop of grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The visual quality, from the lush foliage to the intricate lighting and texture detail, showcases one of the most impressive uses of Unreal Engine 5 to date.

While I couldn't get hands-on with the gameplay just yet, the developers are aiming for a blend of simplicity akin to ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. The game starts in the Outer Ramparts, a peaceful social hub within the Chateau, where players can interact with others and NPCs. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, a feature reminiscent of Destiny, though combat remains first-person. You'll encounter Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a unique metal mask, offering items on a tray around his neck like a 1920s cigarette girl. Louis, the Stashmaster, manages your inventory and occasionally hands out quests, while Reynauld, the Expedition Master, initiates raids into the zombie-infested world.

The initial Early Access release will feature three distinct maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer with a dungeon beneath. Expect a variety of weather conditions, from clear noon to foggy sunsets and sunrises, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new Chateau area where you'll learn one of six professions: three gathering roles (Scavenging, Conservator, and Naturalist) and three crafting roles (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking). You can master two professions simultaneously.

The game's narrative unfolds amidst a backdrop of civil conflict sparked by The End, the bacteria responsible for the Hunger. Players can extract lore, such as Missives and Maps, which range from Common to Legendary. Extracting a Missive allows you to read it back at the Chateau for XP and piecing together the entire story. The developers plan to weave the narrative through NPC interactions as well, ensuring a rich, story-infused experience.

The Hunger themselves vary in characteristics, making melee combat advantageous for its silence, whereas gunfire attracts more zombies. A Bloater, for instance, explodes into a poisonous gas cloud upon death, while a Shambler inflicts bleed damage.

Hunger offers an arsenal of 33 weapons, ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, with exotic ammo enhancing bullet effects. Dedicated PvP experiences cater to competitive players, and a Mastery Tree with four categories—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—ensures diverse progression paths. You can play solo or in duos, with solo play being a viable and efficient way to progress.

HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATIONTBA 2025 WishlistHunger 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 targeted $30 standard edition.

An expedition in Hunger might last between 30-35 minutes, designed for quick, rewarding sessions with friends. Even upon death, all actions contribute to XP gains, ensuring every session feels meaningful. "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.

Although Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the game's unique blend of elements, crafted by the team behind Hell Let Loose, promises a compelling experience. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as development progresses.