Somehow, Extraction Shooters are starting to become a new trend within the gaming space. Joining the likes of Hero Shooters and Battle Royales. While one has always remained the most notable one in the space, Escape From Tarkov, other attempts are starting to enter the space with interesting results. We have all seen the catastrophic events following the reveal of Bungie’s Marathon, but outside of Arc Raiders, the only other notable Extraction Shooter to come out, surprisingly, was Escape From Duckov.
Sure, it is riffing off the progenitor of the genre, but the game is already seeing massive success due to absurdity, cuteness, and its approach to gameplay. Ever since it launched on October 16th, the game has already seen 2 million players. This is mainly due to a few factors that make it more approachable.
Escape from Duckov is Inexpensive and PVE-focused
While games like Escape From Tarkov and Arc Raiders mix in other players to add a very stressful and rewarding challenge that proves to the player they can shoot, loot, and come out on top against other players. Escape From Duckov is simply just a PVE-focused game, no other players, just the cute duck surviving against all odds against enemies while you look around for loot to extract with.
Another thing that helps it stand out is the shift to an isometric or “top-down” view for gameplay. It also has, according to the Steam Page, random elements in each match you play:
Across five unique maps, ever-changing loot, elusive enemies, and shifting weather ensure no two expeditions are the same. Every raid is a surprise, offering a unique experience each time.
All of this goes alongside great features like a base-building mechanic from the money you earn from loot in each match, unlockable perks, quests, and even mods through the Steam workshop, making it so feature-complete right out of the gate. The aesthetic might look cheap, like its price tag, but you will get way more than you bargain for with it.
Escape From Duckov is on Steam right now for $19.99 USD and is also playable on Valve’s Steam Deck.
