In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out is a challenge that many games struggle to meet. That's why I was particularly excited to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to get an exclusive look at Hunger, their innovative first-person action-RPG set in a zombie-infested world, powered by Unreal Engine 5. The team is keen to distance Hunger from the typical extraction shooter label, and after seeing an early build, it's clear that Hunger is poised to offer a fresh take on the genre.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its unique visual aesthetic and stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's look as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting description for a world that blends first-generation firearms with brutal melee weapons, set against the backdrop of grimy towns and majestic castles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 is showcased brilliantly through the game's detailed foliage, lighting, and textures, making it one of the most visually impressive games I've seen using this engine.
While I couldn't get hands-on with the game yet, the developers shared their vision for Hunger's gameplay. They aim to combine the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Players start in the Outer Ramparts, a social hub within the Chateau where violence is prohibited, and you can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, though combat will always be in first-person. You can engage 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, into the zombie-infested world.
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 for 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 and three crafting. Players can have two professions at a time, adding depth to the gameplay.
The game's narrative is woven into the gameplay through civil conflict lore triggered by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can extract 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 to piece together the game's story. NPC dialogue will also contribute to the storytelling, ensuring that every aspect of the game is infused with narrative.
Combat in Hunger offers strategic choices: melee attacks are silent, allowing for stealth, while shooting attracts more zombies. The game features 33 weapons, ranging from daggers and pistols to maces and primitive machine guns, with exotic ammo adding special effects. Dedicated PvP experiences are also planned, alongside a Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—offering multiple progression paths beyond PvP. Players can enjoy the game solo or in duos, with solo play being a viable and rewarding option.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION Wishlist
Hunger will not be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win mechanics and battle passes. Instead, a "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics, priced above the $30 standard edition. The developers aim for sessions to last around 30-35 minutes, making it easy to play and feel accomplished without being tied to a live-service model. Every session contributes to XP gains, ensuring no time spent in the game feels wasted.
Although Hunger's release is still on the horizon, the early build I saw suggests that Good Fun Corporation, the team behind Hell Let Loose, is crafting something truly unique. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.