Hunger: A Unique Zombie RPG with Extraction Gameplay

Extraction shooters are increasingly common, but standing out in this crowded genre requires innovation. That's why I was excited to connect with developers from Good Fun Corporation to explore Hunger, their upcoming Unreal Engine 5-powered first-person action-RPG with a zombie-infused extraction loop.

The developers emphasized that Hunger isn't just another extraction shooter. Based on an impressive early build I saw—though the team isn't ready to share a release date yet—Hunger promises to be far from a typical Steam title in this genre.

Hunger - First Screenshots

Hunger instantly grabbed my attention with its visual style and stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described its aesthetic as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting term. As shown in the accompanying videos and screenshots, Hunger blends early firearms with brutal melee weapons in gritty towns and majestic castles. The foliage, lighting, and textures, powered by Unreal Engine 5, are breathtaking, marking it as one of the engine's finest showcases.

But how does it play? While my hands-off demo couldn't answer that fully, Hunger seems designed for longevity. The developers aim to combine ARC Raiders' simplicity with Escape From Tarkov's depth. You start in the Outer Ramparts, a non-violent social hub within the Chateau where players and NPCs interact. Like Destiny, you can switch to third-person here, though combat remains first-person. Meet Piro, an eccentric shopkeeper with a metal mask, selling wares from a tray like a 1920s vendor, or Louis, the Stashmaster, who manages your inventory and offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, with his battle-worn fingers, sets you up for expeditions (raids).

The Early Access launch will feature three 1-square-kilometer maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each with a dungeon below. Six weather variations per map—clear noon, foggy noon, sunset, and sunrise—add variety, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea shared that the game targets 50-60 hours of content, leading to the Cauldron, a new Chateau area where you choose a profession. Six professions exist: three gathering (Scavenging for metals, Conservator for mechanisms, Naturalist for herbs) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, Cooking). You can pick two at a time.

The story unfolds in a world torn by civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Lore-rich items like Missives and Maps (Common, Rare, or Legendary) can be extracted, offering XP and quests back at the Chateau, gradually revealing the full narrative. NPC dialogue further enriches the story, with Rea noting that every game element is steeped in lore.

The Hunger zombies vary in traits, making melee silent but risky, while shooting attracts more foes. For example, the Bloater explodes into toxic gas, and Shambler attacks cause bleeding.

With 33 weapons, from daggers to primitive machine guns, plus exotic ammo for added effects, combat is diverse. A dedicated PvP mode caters to competitive players. The Mastery Tree, with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—offers progression from level 10 to 100, ensuring varied playstyles beyond PvP.

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Solo or duo play is viable, with Rea emphasizing that it's a fast way to progress. Leveling up, defeating bosses, or other achievements unlock cosmetics for weapons and bags.

Hunger won't be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win pitfalls, and skips battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer extra cosmetics, with the standard edition targeting a $30 price point.

Expeditions last around 30-35 minutes, making Hunger easy to play in short sessions without the grind of live-service games. Every action contributes to XP, ensuring no session feels wasted. "We want players to feel their hour of play meaningfully advances their character," Rea said.

Though still in development, Hunger—created by the Hell Let Loose team—already feels distinctive and promising. Stay tuned for more updates on IGN as progress continues.