The developers of Hell Let Loose have set their sights on a new project that blends elements of horror, RPGs, and extraction shooters in an intriguing mix. Their latest game, Hunger, transports players to a grim version of 19th-century Europe, where a mysterious plague known as the Hunger has transformed people into terrifying, zombie-like creatures. Set to launch in early access on PC in 2025, Hunger promises a unique twist on the extraction shooter formula, with an emphasis on character abilities over traditional loot-based progression.

A grim world and a fresh approach to gameplay

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The game is set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic version of Napoleonic Europe, where survival is the only goal. In Hunger, players must navigate a dangerous world filled with quests, loot, and the constant threat of the Hunger—a deadly disease that has ravaged the land. The cinematic trailer inis reminiscent of Hunt: Showdown with its gritty, realistic aesthetic, but it introduces several unique mechanics that set it apart from other games in the genre.

• Developed by the creators of Hell Let Loose
• Set in a post-apocalyptic 1800s Europe
• Combines horror, RPG, and extraction shooter elements
• Features deep character progression with Mastery trees
• Offers diverse playstyles including combat, stealth, and crafting
• Includes both ranged and melee combat systems
• Challenges players with zombie-like enemies known as the Hunger
• Encourages teamwork in up-to-three-person squads
• Provides a story-driven home base for crafting and questing
• Set to challenge other extraction shooters like Hunt: Showdown and Escape from Tarkov

One of the standout features of Hunger is its RPG-inspired progression system. Instead of the typical gear-based progression seen in most extraction shooters, Hunger allows players to develop their characters over time, much like in RPGs such as Skyrim or Cyberpunk 2077. Players can choose from a variety of heroes, each with their own backstory, and level them up from 1 to 100. As characters progress, they unlock abilities from various ‘Mastery trees’ that allow for specialization in areas like combat, stealth, or team support.

Diverse playstyles and extreme build variety

Maximilian Rea, CEO of Good Fun Corporation, explains that Hunger offers a wide range of playstyles, allowing players to craft unique builds tailored to their preferences. Some players may prefer to engage in direct combat, wielding powerful firearms or relying on stealth to ambush opponents with melee weapons. Others might focus on exploration, lock-picking, or crafting, choosing to avoid confrontation and instead gather valuable loot or complete quests. The game’s RPG systems ensure that each player can find a playstyle that suits them, keeping the experience fresh and dynamic.

The depth of character customization in Hunger promises to deliver a gameplay experience that evolves significantly over time. For example, players who invest in the stealth Mastery tree can transform the game into a more stealth-oriented experience, akin to the Thief series. This level of customization extends beyond mere stat adjustments, offering players the ability to tailor their gameplay to their preferred approach, whether it’s through sneaky assassinations or all-out brawls.

A unique arsenal and challenging enemies

Set in the early 1800s, Hunger features a blend of historically inspired weapons and fictional creations. While players can wield period-accurate flintlocks with their slow reload times, the game also introduces experimental, jury-rigged firearms that offer more firepower than history would suggest. But the weaponry isn’t limited to ranged combat; Hunger also includes a full melee combat system inspired by games like Chivalry and Mordhau. This system allows players to switch from rifles to swords or sabers, adding another layer of strategy to the game.

Combat in Hunger isn’t just about facing off against other players. The Hunger itself presents a significant challenge, with NPC enemies ranging from fast-moving Waif creatures to the massive, blind Brute. These enemies are not just obstacles; they are integral to the game’s experience, rewarding players with loot and experience for defeating them. Engaging with these AI opponents adds tension and unpredictability to each match, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

Quests, teamwork, and the path to survival in Hunger

Each match in Hunger revolves around completing quests, with each player in a team of up to three being assigned their own objectives. After finishing their quests, players can choose to extract with their loot or push their luck by taking on additional challenges, such as mini-boss encounters or ambushing other players. The map is filled with secrets and opportunities, encouraging exploration and strategic decision-making.

Upon successfully escaping a match, players return to the Chateau, Hunger’s hub and home base. Here, they can craft new items, take on new quests, and advance their character’s professions. The Chateau functions much like a capital city in an RPG, offering a place to regroup, resupply, and plan for the next adventure. The progression system within the Chateau is heavily story-driven, ensuring that players remain engaged with the narrative as they develop their characters.

Hunger’s potential to stand out in the genre

The extraction shooter genre has seen a variety of interpretations, from the dungeon-crawling Dark and Darker to the alien-blasting Helldivers 2. Hunger aims to carve out its own niche by combining the tension of extraction gameplay with the depth of RPG mechanics and the horror of a post-apocalyptic setting. Although only a few seconds of gameplay have been revealed so far, the ambitious ideas behind Hunger suggest it has the potential to stand alongside, and apart from, genre heavyweights like Hunt: Showdown.

As the game’s early access release in 2025 approaches, fans of extraction shooters and RPGs alike will be eagerly watching to see how Hunger develops. With its unique blend of horror, RPG elements, and intense combat, Hunger could offer a fresh and exciting experience for players looking for something different in the genre.