The glitch has persisted for days, with no indication from Embark Studios that a patch is imminent. Players are divided over whether to exploit the bug, given its potential to yield extraordinary profits. For those using free loadouts—which restrict inventory slots to just three—the ability to duplicate items like the Familiar Duck or the Tempest blueprint could be a game-changer. However, the lack of enforcement raises questions about whether this is a temporary oversight or part of a larger, unannounced test phase.
One player, who extracted a full inventory of Familiar Ducks from a single corpse in Buried City Metro, noted that the exploit appears to trigger automatically upon death in specific zones. The sheer volume of loot—some stashes containing over 100 stacks—has led to speculation that the game’s server-side logic may be misaligned with intended item-spawn mechanics. Meanwhile, others have reported extracting with blueprints that were duplicated in their inventories, despite no in-game actions that should have justified their acquisition.
For those considering participation, the risks may not be immediately obvious. While there are no confirmed reports of penalties, the game’s history suggests that exploits are eventually addressed—sometimes with swift consequences. In 2023, a door-clipping bug that allowed players to bypass security checks was patched within 48 hours, resulting in temporary bans for those who had abused it. The absence of a similar response to the current duplication issue leaves players in a precarious position: the temptation to profit is strong, but the potential for retroactive enforcement looms.
What users should do
- Exercise caution when extracting items that appear excessively valuable or duplicated. If the source of the loot seems suspicious, it may be tied to the exploit.
- Avoid discussing or sharing methods to replicate the glitch in public forums, as this could draw attention from moderators or developers.
- Monitor official channels for updates from Embark Studios. While no announcement has been made, patches for critical exploits are typically rolled out without prior warning.
- Consider the long-term implications. If the bug is patched retroactively, accounts used to exploit it could face restrictions or bans, even if no immediate action is taken.
The situation underscores a broader challenge in live-service games: balancing player engagement with fairness and stability. Until Embark Studios intervenes, the duplication bug remains a double-edged sword—offering windfalls to a lucky few while leaving the rest to wonder when the other shoe might drop.
