The latest sensation on Steam, Escape from Duckov, is a PvE looter shooter that playfully parodies Escape from Tarkov, while charting its own successful path. Released on October 16, this title comes from developer Team Soda, known for its work on Snake Force and Soda Crisis. Published by China’s bilibili, it has already become their highest-rated release on Steam. The game cleverly combines engaging top-down battles with extraction shooter-like “raids” and scavenging, all presented in an adorable duck-themed aesthetic. And the concept has definitely resonated with players.
According to a recent post on Steam from Team Soda, Escape from Duckov surpassed 500,000 copies sold as of October 19. Currently, it ranks as the fourth best-selling title on Steam, trailing behind three major shooters: Arc Raiders, Counter-Strike 2, and the highly successful Battlefield 6, which has sold 7 million copies.
Popularity and Player Engagement
SteamDB data indicates that Escape from Duckov has around 117,473 players engaged concurrently, peaking at 182,509 earlier today. That’s quite impressive!
As of now, the game holds 5,969 user reviews on Steam, boasting an impressive 95% positive rating. The support from bilibili undoubtedly played a role in its success, as over 4,200 reviews are in Simplified Chinese, highlighting its strong appeal to the Chinese market. Yet, gamers worldwide have embraced its charming and straightforward gameplay.
The affordable price tag of $18, with a current discount bringing it down to $15.83 (valid until October 30), also contributes to its wide accessibility. As one enthusiastic Steam reviewer, Chad, put it: “This game is like quack, can’t put it down” (and yes, we had the same pun in mind!).
Game Features and Content
During its appearance at Steam Next Fest earlier this year, Escape from Duckov won over critics, including our own team member who usually avoids extraction shooters. The game features five maps, over 50 different weapons, an upgradeable base, skill trees, crafting progression, and various difficulty settings. Developers have estimated that players will find upwards of 50 hours of content in a single playthrough. Additionally, with Steam Workshop support, players can enjoy community-created content if they wish to expand their experience.
It’s clear that this title is not just a fleeting trend but a thoughtfully designed game that keeps players coming back for more.
