Hunger Is a Multiplayer First-Person RPG That Uses an Extraction Loop but Isn’t Defined by It

Extraction shooters are a dime a dozen these days, and it takes something truly unique to stand out in this saturated genre. That's why I was eager to dive into a preview of Hunger, an upcoming first-person action-RPG from Good Fun Corporation. The team behind Hunger, powered by Unreal Engine 5, promises a fresh take on the extraction loop, steering clear of the label of just another extraction shooter.

Based on an impressive early build, Hunger is shaping up to be far from another generic addition to the Steam library. While the Early Access launch date remains under wraps, the developers' vision is clear and compelling.

Hunger - First Screenshots

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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my eye: its visual aesthetic and the raw power of its 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 amidst filthy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and texture detail in Hunger are nothing short of stunning, making it one of the most impressive uses of Unreal Engine 5 I've encountered.

While I couldn't get hands-on with the gameplay yet, the demo hinted at a game built to last. The developers aim to combine the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. You'll start in the Outer Ramparts, a safe, social hub within the Chateau, where you can switch to a third-person perspective for a more relaxed experience. Here, you'll interact with unique characters like Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask, and Louis, the Stashmaster, who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, who sports missing fingers from past zombie encounters, will queue you up for 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 expansive dungeon beneath. Each map will offer six weather variations, including noon (clear), noon (fog), sunset, and sunrise, with more dynamic changes planned post-launch. The developers are targeting 50-60 hours of content, after which players unlock the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where you'll learn one of six professions: three gathering (Scavenging, Conservator, and Naturalist) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking). You can master two professions at once.

Hunger's narrative unfolds amidst civil conflict triggered by The End, a bacteria that caused the Hunger. As you explore, you'll discover lore in the form of Missives and Maps, categorized as Common, Rare, or Legendary. Extracting with a Missive allows you to read it back at the Chateau for XP, piecing together the full story as you collect more. NPC dialogues will further enrich the game's storytelling.

Combat in Hunger offers strategic depth: melee attacks allow for silent takedowns, while firearms attract more zombies. Different types of Hunger, like the explosive Bloater and the bleeding-inducing Shambler, add variety to encounters. With 33 weapons available, from daggers and pistols to maces and primitive machine guns, players can find exotic ammo to enhance their bullets. Dedicated PvP experiences cater to competitive players, while a Mastery Tree with four branches (Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning) ensures diverse progression paths.

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Hunger supports solo and duo gameplay, with Maximilian Rea emphasizing that being a solo or duo player isn't a death sentence but one of the quickest ways to progress. Progression cosmetics, earned by leveling up and defeating bosses, add flair to every weapon and bag.

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

Sessions in Hunger are designed to last between 30-35 minutes, making it easy to enjoy with friends without feeling tied to a live-service grind. Even if you die, 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 stated.

Though Hunger is still some time away, the developers, who also created Hell Let Loose, are crafting something unique. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as Hunger's development progresses.