Hunger: A Unique Zombie RPG with Extraction Gameplay

Extraction shooters are increasingly common, but standing out in this saturated 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 emphasize that Hunger isn’t just another extraction shooter. From what I saw in an impressive early build—still too early for a confirmed release date—Hunger promises to be a distinctive addition to the Steam library, far from the typical offerings.

Hunger - First Screenshots

Hunger immediately grabbed my attention with its visual style and stunning graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea describes the aesthetic as “Renaissance gothic,” blending early firearms and brutal melee weapons in gritty towns and majestic castles. The visuals—lush foliage, dynamic lighting, and intricate textures—showcase Unreal Engine 5 at its finest, making Hunger one of the most visually striking games I’ve seen.

But what about gameplay? While my hands-off demo didn’t allow me to play, the design feels robust. The team aims to balance the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. You start in the Outer Ramparts, a non-combat 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, missing a few fingers from zombie encounters, sets you up for raids.

The Early Access launch will feature three 1-square-kilometer maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each with a dungeon below and six weather variations like clear noon or foggy sunrise. More dynamic elements are planned post-launch. Rea estimates 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new Chateau area where you choose from six professions: three gathering (Scavenging for metals, Conservator for tools, Naturalist for herbs) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, Cooking). You can hold two professions simultaneously.

The story unfolds in a world torn by civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players uncover lore through Missives and Maps—Common, Rare, or Legendary—extractable for XP and quests back at the Chateau. NPC dialogue weaves narrative into every element, ensuring a rich story experience, Rea says.

Hunger’s zombies vary in behavior, making stealthy melee combat quieter than noisy gunfire, which attracts more enemies. For example, the Bloater explodes into toxic gas, while Shambler attacks cause bleeding.

With 33 weapons, from daggers to primitive machine guns, plus exotic ammo for added effects, the arsenal is diverse. A Mastery Tree with four branches—Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning—offers progression beyond PvP, with mastery points earned from levels 10 to 100. Dedicated PvP modes are also planned.

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Solo or duo play is viable, with Rea noting it’s a fast track to progress. Cosmetic rewards come from leveling, boss kills, and more, with options for every weapon and bag.

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 above the planned $30 standard price.

Expeditions last around 30-35 minutes, perfect for quick sessions with friends without the grind of live-service games. Every action contributes to XP, ensuring no session feels wasted. “We want players to feel they’ve advanced their character after an hour,” Rea said.

Though still in development, Hunger—from the team behind Hell Let Loose—shows promise as a unique zombie RPG. Stay tuned for more updates on IGN as progress continues.