As a big fan of ARPGs, third-person action games like Dark Souls, and the frantic horde survival of Vampire Survivors, I’ve had a close eye on new Steam roguelike Hordes of Hunger since I saw it at Gamescom 2024. By giving you more direct control over your character, it more closely resembles a run-based Diablo than the auto-attacking nature of games like Vampire Survivors, with all those delicious upgrade choices that we’ve come to expect in everything from Hades to Dead Cells. Now, PCGamesN can exclusively reveal when you’ll be able to play the full game – and you can try its new demo right now.
After spending some time checking out Hordes of Hunger, my initial comparison was that it feels like a more fleshed-out version of Diablo 4’s wave survival mode, Infernal Hordes. Although its overall structure is very akin to roguelikes such as Vampire Survivors, developer Hyperstrange is pushing the boat out a little more. Pull the camera all the way out, and Hordes of Hunger feels a lot closer to games like Diablo; push it right in, and you’ve got an over-the-shoulder perspective that feels somewhere between Dark Souls and Dynasty Warriors.
Each wave, you’ll have objectives to complete – sometimes that’s as simple as stopping the incoming monster masses, but at other points you may need to assist survivors or reclaim food stores to feed the starving. Regardless of your goal, you’ll need to carve through thousands of vicious creatures that view you as a tasty snack. As you clear through them, you’ll get regular upgrade choices with three options presented at each levelling milestone, allowing you to hone your build in whichever direction you choose.
Because Hordes of Hunger is a little more action-led than the likes of Vampire Survivors, enemies actually attack you as they get near rather than simply damaging you by proximity. You’ll see indicators flash as they prepare to strike, allowing you to move away or use a dodge or parry. There’s a short sidestep that’s fast and can be upgraded, or a longer dash offering some invincibility frames to get you out of stickier situations, and the parry can be improved with skills capable of delivering damaging counterattacks.
As you survive for longer, Hyperstrange’s narrative begins to introduce itself. I only got a brief glimpse of this during my preview, but there’s an intriguing ‘real world’ element in the vein of The Matrix or Assassin’s Creed. At certain points, a wave of light freezes everything around you in place, giving you the chance to fight on or return to the game’s hub-style Sanctum, where your parents reside. There, you can tweak your weapons and cook meals for buffs to help kickstart your next run.
As Hyperstrange gears up for launch, it’s also got an updated, expanded Steam demo for you to try. This includes more skill trees, weapon upgrades, and character progression than the previous free trial. You can also test out the improved parry system, and there’s an in-game feedback form if you want to provide additional thoughts to help make Hordes of Hunger even better upon release.
PCGamesN is excited to reveal that Hordes of Hunger launches on Steam in early access Thursday March 6, 2025. If you’re curious to try it sooner, you can download the demo now to see what it’s all about, then add it to your wishlist if you want to be notified when it releases.
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