In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out requires innovation and a fresh approach. That's precisely what Good Fun Corporation aims to achieve with their upcoming game, Hunger. This first-person action-RPG, powered by Unreal Engine 5, incorporates a unique extraction loop and a compelling zombie theme. During a recent meeting with the developers, it became clear that Hunger is not just another extraction shooter, but an ambitious project with a distinctive identity.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two aspects of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and stunning graphics. Described by game director Maximilian Rea as "Renaissance gothic," the game blends first-generation firearms with brutal melee weapons, set in both filthy, lived-in towns and majestic castles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 showcases exceptional foliage, lighting, and texture detail, making it one of the most visually impressive games I've seen to date.
While I couldn't go hands-on with the game yet, the developers shared their vision of 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 interact without violence. Here, players can switch to third-person view, engage with Piro, a quirky shopkeeper, or manage their stash with Louis, the Stashmaster, who also provides occasional quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, queues players for expeditions, showing signs of his encounters with zombies.
The initial Early Access release will feature three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each one square kilometer with a large dungeon beneath. Each map will have six weather variations, from clear noon to foggy sunset, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where players learn one of six professions—three gathering and three crafting.The game's narrative unfolds through civil conflict triggered by "The End," a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can discover and extract lore, such as Missives and Maps, which are categorized as Common, Rare, or Legendary. Extracting a Missive allows players to read it back at the Chateau for XP and piece together the game's story. NPC dialogue further enriches the narrative, as Rea emphasized, "We try to infuse every aspect of the game with story."
The Hunger creatures vary in type, with melee combat offering a silent approach, while shooting attracts more enemies. The Bloater, for example, explodes into poisonous gas, and the Shambler inflicts bleed damage. With 33 weapons ranging from daggers to primitive machine guns, players can find exotic ammo to enhance bullet effects. Dedicated PvP experiences are available, and a Mastery Tree allows progression through four trees: Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning, offering multiple ways to advance beyond PvP.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION WishlistPlayers can opt for solo or duo gameplay, with Rea stating, "Being a solo or duo player isn't a death sentence. In fact, it's one of the quickest ways to progress in the game." Progression cosmetics are unlocked through leveling up and defeating bosses, applicable to every weapon and bag.
Hunger will not be free-to-play, aiming to avoid pay-to-win mechanics and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will include extra cosmetics, priced above the targeted $30 for the standard edition.
As for session length, Rea suggested expeditions could last around 30-35 minutes, making it easy to play with friends and feel accomplished without being tied to a live-service game. Every session contributes to XP gains, ensuring no time spent is 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 is still in development, the team behind Hell Let Loose is crafting a unique and promising game. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as the project progresses.
