Extraction shooters have become ubiquitous, making it a challenge for new entries to distinguish themselves. That's why I was intrigued to meet with developers from Good Fun Corporation, the team behind Hunger, an upcoming first-person action-RPG with a zombie twist, powered by Unreal Engine 5. The developers are clear about not wanting to be pigeonholed as just another extraction shooter. From the early build I saw, it's evident that Hunger is poised to break the mold of generic extraction shooters flooding the Steam marketplace.

Hunger - First Screenshots

View 6 ImagesTwo elements of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and its stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's style as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description. The game blends first-generation firearms with brutal melee weapons set in grimy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and texture detail are exceptional, showcasing one of the most impressive uses of Unreal Engine 5 I've encountered.

While I couldn't get hands-on with the game yet, my demo provided a promising glimpse into its potential longevity. The team aims to strike a balance between the simplicity of ARC Raiders and the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Players start in the Outer Ramparts, a peaceful social hub within the Chateau, where they can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, a feature reminiscent of Destiny. The hub allows you to shop with Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a unique metal mask, or manage your inventory with Louis, the Stashmaster, who also offers occasional quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, with his missing fingers, hints at past encounters with zombies and queues you up for expeditions, or raids.

The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm. Each map spans one square kilometer and includes an underground dungeon. Expect six weather varieties per map, including different times of day and atmospheric conditions, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea mentioned aiming for 50-60 hours of content, leading to unlocking the Cauldron, a new Chateau area where players choose their profession. There are six professions split into gathering and crafting roles, allowing players to have two at once.

The game's narrative unfolds during a civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can uncover lore through Missives and Maps, which come in Common, Rare, or Legendary forms. Extracting with a Missive allows you to read it in the Chateau for XP, piecing together the game's entire story. The developers plan to weave the story through NPC dialogues, ensuring a rich narrative experience.

Hunger features various types, each with unique qualities. Opting for melee combat offers the advantage of stealth, while gunfire attracts more Hunger. Examples include the Bloater, which bursts into poisonous gas upon death, and the Shambler, causing bleed damage with its hits.

With 33 weapons ranging from daggers and pistols to maces and primitive machine guns, players have diverse combat options. Special ammo types add extra damage effects to firearms. Dedicated PvP modes cater to competitive players, and a Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—provides multiple progression paths beyond PvP. Players can also enjoy solo or duo gameplay, with Rea emphasizing that these modes offer quick progression opportunities. Cosmetics unlock as you level up, defeat bosses, and more, covering every weapon and bag.

HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATIONTBA 2025 WishlistHunger will not be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win issues and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition with extra cosmetics will be available above the $30 standard edition price.

Expeditions are designed to last around 30-35 minutes, making Hunger an ideal game for quick sessions with friends. Even if you die, your actions contribute to XP gains, ensuring every session feels meaningful. Rea emphasized that players should feel they've made significant progress after an hour of play.

Although Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the early impressions suggest that Good Fun Corporation, known for Hell Let Loose, is crafting something truly unique. Stay tuned to IGN for more updates as development progresses.