The Surprising Rise of Escape From Duckov
The life of a news editor is often a whirlwind of activity, oscillating between tranquil days and frenetic weeks filled with major game releases. Recently, the gaming landscape has seen a remarkable turn of events, particularly with the emergence of Escape From Duckov, a parody that has unexpectedly soared to prominence. In a stunning twist, this whimsical title has outpaced Battlefield 6 on Steam, securing a coveted spot among the platform’s most played games.
For those who may not be familiar, Escape From Duckov is a delightful take on Battlestate’s renowned extraction shooter, Escape from Tarkov. Developed by Team Soda, this charming game swaps out the menacing scavs for adorable rubber duckies, transforming the multiplayer chaos into a single-player adventure that has recently captured the hearts of gamers. With an impressive 96% positive rating, it has quickly ascended to Valve’s ‘overwhelmingly positive’ category, outperforming notable releases like Bloodlines 2 and Jurassic World Evolution 3.
Since its launch on October 16, Duckov has gained remarkable traction, boasting an astonishing peak of 255,556 active players. This surge places it just behind the perennial favorites of Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and PUBG, while leaving Battlefield 6 trailing with an 80% rating in the ‘very positive’ category. Despite receiving a glowing review from PK, who awarded it a 9/10, Battlefield 6 has seen a steady decline in its player base—a trend that is not uncommon in the gaming industry.
What is particularly intriguing is the rise of a game centered around rubber ducks, which has managed to defy expectations and shake up the status quo. The gaming world in 2025 has already been filled with surprises—titles like Expedition 33, Blue Prince, and Schedule 1 have all contributed to a dynamic landscape. In an era where triple-A fatigue is becoming increasingly palpable, the emergence of Escape From Duckov serves as a refreshing reminder of the joy that can come from unexpected sources.
Escape From Duckov is currently available on Steam for just .83 / £15.83 until October 30. For those interested, a simple click will take you to the game’s page.
For players still immersed in Battlefield 6, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best weapons and guns to enhance your gameplay. Alternatively, if you’re intrigued by the indie charm of Duckov, check out our roundup of the best indie games, many of which offer unique experiences.
Have you had the chance to dive into Duckov? Join the conversation on Discord. If you’re still battling it out in Battlefield, we’d love to see your loadouts.
