"Hunger: A Multiplayer RPG with Extraction Loop, Not Defined by It"

In the bustling world of extraction shooters, it's increasingly challenging to carve out a niche. Yet, Hunger, the upcoming first-person action-RPG from Good Fun Corporation, promises to do just that. Utilizing the power of Unreal Engine 5, Hunger blends zombie survival with an extraction loop, setting itself apart from the typical genre fare. My recent hands-off demo with the developers left me eager to see how this game will evolve.

Hunger - First Screenshots

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Two elements of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its visual aesthetic and the sheer quality of its graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea described the game's style as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label for the mix of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of grimy towns and majestic castles. The visuals are breathtaking, with lush foliage, dynamic lighting, and detailed textures showcasing one of the most impressive uses of Unreal Engine 5 I've encountered.

While I couldn't go hands-on with the game yet, the developers shared their vision for Hunger's gameplay. They're aiming to combine the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. Players start in the Outer Ramparts, a peaceful hub within the Chateau where you can interact with NPCs and other players. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, unlike the first-person view used during combat. You'll meet Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask who offers items from a tray around his neck, reminiscent of 1920s cigarette girls. Louis, the Stashmaster, allows you to manage your inventory and occasionally provides quests, while Reynauld, the Expedition Master, queues you up for raids into the zombie-infested world.

The initial Early Access release will feature three expansive maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer and boasting a large dungeon beneath. Each map will showcase six weather variations, from clear noon to foggy sunset, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea mentioned targeting 50-60 hours of content before unlocking the Cauldron, a new area in the Chateau where players can choose their professions. There are six professions in total, split between gathering (Scavenging, Conservator, and Naturalist) and crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking), with players able to master two at a time.

Hunger's narrative unfolds amidst the civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria that triggered the zombie outbreak. Players can extract lore items like Missives and Maps, which range from Common to Legendary. Extracting a Missive allows you to read it back at the Chateau for XP, piecing together the game's story as you go. The developers plan to weave the narrative through NPC interactions, aiming to immerse players in every aspect of the game.

Combat in Hunger offers varied approaches, with melee weapons providing silent kills and firearms attracting more zombies. Different types of zombies, like the explosive Bloater and the bleed-inducing Shambler, add strategic layers to encounters. With 33 weapons available, from daggers to primitive machine guns, and exotic ammo that enhances bullet effects, players have plenty of options. Dedicated PvP experiences cater to those seeking competitive play, while a Mastery Tree with four branches (Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning) offers diverse progression paths.

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Hunger supports solo and duo play, with Rea emphasizing that these modes offer some of the quickest progression paths. As you level up, kill bosses, and achieve milestones, you'll unlock cosmetic rewards for weapons and gear. Importantly, Hunger won't be free-to-play, steering clear of pay-to-win mechanics and eschewing battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer additional cosmetics, priced above the $30 target for the standard edition.

An expedition in Hunger might last around 30-35 minutes, designed for easy, satisfying sessions. Even in death, every action contributes to XP gains, ensuring that 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 still some time away, Hunger from the team behind Hell Let Loose shows promise as a unique and compelling addition to the gaming landscape. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.