The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend: The Duck in R.E.P.O.
The old adage "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" comes to mind when thinking about the Duck in R.E.P.O. Despite its cute and seemingly innocent appearance, the Duck is one of the most twisted and dangerous creatures in the game. For those who are new to R.E.P.O., the Duck, also known as the Apex Predator, is a deceptive menace that lurks in the early stages of the game, including Manor, Station, and Academy. This seemingly harmless animal hides a darker, more sinister side, and understanding its behavior and how to handle it can mean the difference between survival and a quick, painful death.
The Deceptive Nature of the Duck
One of the earliest monsters you will encounter in R.E.P.O., the Duck appears as a small, harmless creature that follows you around, much like a duckling chasing its mother. However, its intentions are far from innocent. The Duck’s primary goal is to get you to pick it up, and newcomers often fall prey to its deceptively cute appearance, assuming it’s loot or behaving similarly to the Maneater in Lethal Company. However, picking up the Duck is a grave mistake. The moment you interact with it, the Duck transforms into the Apex Predator, revealing rows of sharp teeth and levitating into the air. It ferociously flaps its wings and attacks anyone within close proximity, a state that lasts for about 10 seconds before it returns to its docile form. This transformation is both shocking and terrifying, making the Duck one of the most unexpected and dangerous enemies in the game.
The Duck as a Warning Sign
While the Duck may seem like a nuisance, its presence can actually serve as a valuable warning. When you encounter a Duck, it’s a sign that another, more dangerous monster is nearby. This is because the Duck is often drawn to areas where other monsters are present, and its behavior can alert you to potential threats. By paying attention to the Duck’s quacks and movements, you can stay one step ahead of more aggressive enemies, giving you a crucial advantage in the dangerous world of R.E.P.O.
Evading the Duck
Surprisingly, the Duck is one of the least harmful monsters in R.E.P.O. as long as you leave it alone. The key to surviving encounters with the Duck is to avoid interacting with it at all costs. Don’t pick it up, drop items on it, or alert other monsters to your presence if the Duck is nearby. The Apex Predator will activate if it’s hit by an item, weapon, or another monster, so it’s essential to remain cautious.
Moving loot into the C.A.R.T. can be challenging when the Duck is present, as it will deliberately get in your way. The Duck can jump into the C.A.R.T., stand in front of you, and leap towards your crosshair, all in a persistent attempt to get you to touch it. To avoid this, pay attention to your cursor, which will turn yellow when you’re looking at an interactable object. This visual cue can help you avoid accidentally picking up the Duck. Additionally, listen for its quacks to stay aware of its presence, which can also help you anticipate the arrival of other, more dangerous monsters.
The Duck’s Unique Abilities
The Duck’s ability to transform and enrage makes it a formidable adversary, but it also has other unique abilities that can complicate your survival. For example, the Duck can open doors and break them while in its enraged state, making it even more difficult to navigate the environment. Our testing has revealed that the Duck is unkillable, meaning any attempts to eliminate it are futile. If you accidentally enrage it, your best course of action is to run and try to shut doors behind you to slow it down. However, staying still is a surefire way to get killed, so keep moving and stay alert.
Conclusion: Navigating the Deception
In the world of R.E.P.O., appearances can be dangerously deceiving. The Duck, with its cute and innocent appearance, is a master of deception and a formidable opponent. Understanding its behavior and knowing how to avoid it can significantly improve your chances of survival. Remember, the enemy of my enemy might be my friend, but in the case of the Duck, it’s a twisted and devious adversary that requires both caution and strategic thinking to overcome. By staying vigilant and avoiding the temptation to interact with this furry menace, you can navigate the early stages of R.E.P.O. with greater ease and survive to face the even greater challenges that lie ahead.
