In the saturated world of extraction shooters, standing out is no small feat. That's why I was excited to sit down with developers from Good Fun Corporation to get a sneak peek at Hunger, their innovative first-person action-RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5. The developers are keen to distance Hunger from the typical extraction shooter label, and after seeing their impressive early build, it's clear they're on to something special.
Hunger - First Screenshots
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Two elements of Hunger immediately caught my attention: its unique visual style and breathtaking graphics. Game director Maximilian Rea aptly describes the game's aesthetic as "Renaissance gothic," a fitting label given the blend of first-generation firearms and brutal melee weapons set against the backdrop of grimy towns and majestic castles. The use of Unreal Engine 5 elevates the visuals, with stunning foliage, lighting, and texture detail that ranks among the best I've seen.
Curious about gameplay? While my demo was hands-off, the developers at Good Fun Corporation are aiming to strike a balance between the simplicity of ARC Raiders and the complexity of Escape From Tarkov. Players begin in the Outer Ramparts, a social, violence-free hub within the Chateau, where you can interact with other players and NPCs. Here, you can switch to a third-person perspective, shop with the quirky Piro, manage your stash with Louis, or queue for an expedition with Reynauld, the grizzled Expedition Master.
The initial Early Access release will feature three expansive maps: Jacques Bridge, Sombre Forest, and Sarlat Farm. Each spans one square kilometer and includes a large dungeon beneath. Expect diverse weather conditions, from clear noon to foggy evenings, with more dynamic elements planned post-release. Rea aims for 50-60 hours of content before players unlock the Cauldron, a new Chateau area where they'll learn one of six professions—three for gathering and three for crafting.The game's lore unfolds through civil conflict sparked by The End, a bacteria causing the Hunger. Players can extract Missives and Maps, which are categorized as Common, Rare, or Legendary. Extracting with a Missive lets you read it back in the Chateau for XP, piecing together the game's story. NPC dialogues also enrich the narrative. "We try to infuse every aspect of the game with story," Rea emphasized.
*Hunger* offers a diverse range of enemies, each with unique characteristics. Opting for melee combat allows for stealth, while gunfire attracts more Hunger. The Bloater, for example, explodes into poisonous gas, while the Shambler inflicts bleed damage.With 33 weapons spanning melee and ranged options—from daggers to primitive machine guns—and exotic ammo that adds special effects, Hunger promises variety. Dedicated PvP experiences cater to competitive players, and a Mastery Tree with four branches (Physiology, Survival, Martial, and Cunning) ensures multiple progression paths. Solo and duo play are viable options, with Rea noting, "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 unlocks various cosmetics for weapons and bags.
HUNGERGOOD FUN CORPORATION WishlistHunger won't be free-to-play, steering clear of pay-to-win pitfalls and battle passes. A "Support the Developers" edition will offer extra cosmetics, priced above the standard $30 edition.
As for session length, Rea suggests that expeditions could last around 30-35 minutes, making Hunger perfect for quick sessions with friends. Even if you die, your efforts contribute to XP gains, ensuring every session feels meaningful. "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.
While Hunger is still a ways off, the developers at Good Fun Corporation, known for Hell Let Loose, are crafting something unique. Keep an eye on IGN for more updates as development progresses.
