Extraction shooters are now commonplace, 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 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 far more than a generic addition to the Steam lineup.

Hunger - First Screenshots

Hunger immediately grabbed my attention with its striking visual style and technical prowess. Game director Maximilian Rea calls its aesthetic “Renaissance gothic,” a fitting description. As shown in the accompanying videos and screenshots, Hunger blends early firearms with brutal melee weapons in gritty towns and majestic castles. The game’s visuals—lush foliage, dynamic lighting, and detailed textures—represent some of the finest applications of Unreal Engine 5 yet.

But how does Hunger play? While my hands-off demo couldn’t answer that fully, the game appears built for longevity. The developers aim to balance the simplicity of ARC Raiders with the depth of Escape From Tarkov. 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 view here, though combat remains first-person. At the hub, you can trade with Piro, a quirky shopkeeper with a metal mask who sells items from a tray, or manage your inventory with Louis, the Stashmaster who occasionally offers quests. Reynauld, the Expedition Master, bears scars from zombie encounters and assigns you to raids.

The initial Early Access release features three maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm, each spanning one square kilometer with a dungeon beneath. Six weather variations per map—such as clear noon, foggy noon, sunset, and sunrise—add variety, with more dynamic elements planned post-launch. Rea estimates 50-60 hours of content, culminating in unlocking the Cauldron, a new Chateau area where you choose a profession. Six professions are available: three gathering (Scavenging for metals, Conservator for crafting tools, and Naturalist for herbs and medicine) and three crafting (Metallurgy, Gunsmithing, and Cooking). You can select two professions at once.

The story unfolds during a civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can uncover lore through Missives and Maps—Common, Rare, or Legendary items. Extracting a Missive lets you read it back at the Chateau for quest XP, piecing together the game’s narrative. NPC dialogue further enriches the story, with the team weaving narrative into every element, according to Rea.

Zombies, known as the Hunger, vary in behavior. Melee combat allows stealth, while firearms draw attention. For example, the Bloater explodes into a toxic cloud, and Shambler attacks cause bleeding. With 33 weapons—ranging from daggers and pistols to maces and early machine guns—players can find exotic ammo for added effects. Dedicated PvP modes are planned, alongside a Mastery Tree with four branches (Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning), offering diverse progression paths from levels 10 to 100.

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Wishlist

Hunger supports solo and duo play, with Rea noting that going alone or with a partner is a viable way to progress. Leveling up, defeating bosses, or other achievements unlock cosmetic rewards for weapons and gear. The game won’t be free-to-play, avoiding pay-to-win pitfalls, and skips battle passes. A “Support the Developers” edition will offer extra cosmetics alongside the standard $30 version.

Expeditions typically last 30-35 minutes, making Hunger easy to pick up for 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—crafted by the Hell Let Loose team—shows promise as a distinctive title. Stay tuned for more updates on IGN as progress continues.