Escape from Duckov

Escape From Duckov is a pleasant surprise provided you have the patience for it. The focus on solo play for an extraction shooter relieves the game of any obvious griefing from overly ambitious players. The slow progression may irk those looking for constant action, but it also will please those players who appreciate being surprised by tense standoffs that start and end quickly. Even if the concept may have started out as a joke, the game shows that it can take itself seriously and provide an enjoyable experience. Unless you absolutely need native controller support, Escape from Duckov is a game worth checking out if you've always been interested in the extraction shooter concept but want to do so without real people constantly hunting you down.

Escape from Duckov is a brilliant, witty, and incredibly addictive experience. It's a must-play not only for Tarkov fans looking for a fresh perspective on the familiar torment, but also for anyone who appreciates deep, systemic games with impeccable game design. It's a loud and clear signal to the entire industry: the future of the genre lies in manageable difficulty, respect for players and their time, and a willingness to embrace bold experiments, even if they start with a joke about ducks.

Quote not yet available

Escape from Duckov is much more than a parody game: the latest surprise hit is a title with solid gameplay that is extremely entertaining. Our duck must survive and find resources in a hostile but ironic world, certainly free from the stress of competitive online games. There is definitely room for improvement on the part of Team Soda, especially with regard to controller management, but there have already been updates in this first month, and we are convinced that more will follow in the future.

Escape From Duckov is one of the most bizarre and successful surprises on the indie scene in 2025, a title capable of making you smile and suffer at the same time.

Escape from Duckov is one hell of a fun extraction shooter that scratches the itch for the genre in an easy-to-digest package without the initial stress of PvP and more complex game mechanics. It boasts smooth controls, simple but thrilling point and shoot gameplay, and exciting, meaningful progression with just enough of a challenge to not make it a bore. RNG can make or break your runs, but it’s just a small part of everything else good about the game. And of course, the best part—you play as a duck!

Escape From Duckov transforms the intensity of classic extraction shooters into a brilliant and surprisingly solid parody. Competitive players might miss the adrenaline of PvP, but if extraction games intrigue you, give this one a try-you won't regret it, Duck's word.

If the game had taken notes from Escape From Tarkov's atmosphere but fundamentally changed the quest design at the very least, it would have been a hit. For now, Duckov is a lovely tribute with fun moments that overstays its welcome, but its generous price tag will get you your money's worth.

Escape from Duckov might be a parody of Escape from Tarkov, but it's a game that's both fun to get into and stands all on its own.

As a purely single-player experience, it feels like a solid introduction to the extraction shooter genre, but even the cute ducks can’t save Escape from Duckov from feeling like a chore.