Escape from Duckov
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Escape from Duckov
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 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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
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 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.
Overall, Escape From Duckov is a game that doesn’t have any jokes aside from the fact that you’re playing as a duck, but anyone who loves extraction shooters will probably enjoy it. All of the basic mechanics are there, alongside a base building progression that feels rewarding to go through. Retreading the same locations continuously can get tiring fast, though. The single-player nature makes this an experience you can shut your mind off to more than its multiplayer predecessors, but that doesn’t mean it’s a calming experience. If you enjoy the grind, this is a game you can take flight to.
