The year is 18-something. Not that years matter much anymore—not since the End. The Europe that was once dominated by Napoleon’s ambitions is now a twisted wasteland, ravaged by the Hunger. This is the world of Hunger, the upcoming extraction shooter from the developers behind the intense WWII game Hell Let Loose. But this isn’t just another run-of-the-mill survival game. With its gritty, grimdark atmosphere and RPG-inspired progression system, Hunger promises to deliver an experience unlike anything you've played before.
Set to launch in early access on PC in 2025, Hunger plunges players into a world where survival means more than just staying alive—it means completing quests, finding amazing loot, and, if you're lucky, escaping with your life. The game is set in a dystopian version of Napoleonic Europe, where the remnants of humanity are stalked by the Hunger—people twisted into zombie-like creatures by a disease known as the Bacterium.
If you caught the debut trailer, you might’ve noticed a resemblance to Hunt: Showdown, with its filthy, earthy aesthetic that grounds fantastical ideas in a bleak historical setting. But don’t be fooled by the visuals—Hunger is not just another Hunt clone. The developers at Good Fun Corporation, led by CEO Maximilian Rea, have taken a bold step by blending the mechanics of an extraction shooter with the deep, character-driven progression systems of RPGs like Skyrim and Cyberpunk 2077.
"We think players will probably feel that the most unique aspect of Hunger is our replacement of the usual gear progression gameplay loop with something more akin to an RPG," says Rea. In Hunger, you won’t just be chasing better weapons or armor. Instead, you’ll be building a character, choosing from a pool of heroes, each with their own backstory, and guiding them from level one to 100. With each level, you’ll unlock abilities from a variety of ‘Mastery trees,’ allowing you to specialize in combat, stealth, or even skills that aid your teammates.
What’s really exciting about this system is the level of customization it offers. You can build a character that’s all about brute force, mowing down enemies with heavy weapons, or one that relies on stealth, ambushing enemies with a well-timed axe blow. Or maybe you’ll become the ultimate escape artist, focusing on quick getaways and avoiding conflict altogether. The possibilities seem endless, and it’s this variety that promises to keep the game fresh long after launch.
Of course, Hunger wouldn’t be a proper extraction shooter without some intense combat. Fans of Hell Let Loose will be glad to hear that Good Fun Corporation has carried over what they learned about creating solid gunplay. Expect punchy animations, satisfying recoil, and sound effects that make every shot feel impactful. But don’t think you’re limited to standard 1800s weaponry. While you’ll find flintlocks with their slow reloads, the game also features a wild arsenal of experimental, jury-rigged semi-automatics and even full automatics. And if you prefer to get up close and personal, there’s a full melee combat system inspired by games like Chivalry and Mordhau. Drawing your saber and engaging in melee will introduce a completely new combat system that promises to be as rewarding as it is challenging.
But combat is only half the battle. As you navigate Hunger’s plague-ridden world, you’ll encounter the Hunger themselves—twisted, zombie-like creatures that are more than just cannon fodder. These NPCs come in various forms, from the fast-moving Waif to the blind but deadly Brute, and each one presents its own unique challenge. Killing them isn’t just about survival; it’s also a way to earn experience and loot. And sometimes, the best loot will be guarded by more challenging enemies, making every encounter a risk-reward calculation.
Your journey doesn’t end when the match does. After escaping with your spoils, you’ll return to the Chateau—Hunger’s home base and player hub. Here, you can craft new items, access new orders, and progress your character’s professions, all while interacting with other players. Think of it as Destiny’s Tower, but with a grimdark twist. The Chateau is more than just a place to restock; it’s a critical part of the game’s progression, driven by the story and quests that unfold as you play.
The extraction shooter genre is still relatively young, but it’s already proven to be one of the most exciting spaces in gaming. Each game interprets the genre’s rules in its own unique way, from the dungeon-crawling Dark and Darker to the alien-blasting Helldivers 2. Hunger is set to join these ranks, and if the early looks are anything to go by, it might just stand out as something truly special.
So, are you ready to face the Hunger? Whether you’re drawn to the RPG elements, the intense combat, or the sheer challenge of surviving in a world gone mad, there’s something in Hunger for every type of player. Keep an eye out for more reveals and the early access launch in 2025—this is one game you won’t want to miss.
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