Launch day setup
After installing from the official Duck Survival download page, complete the intro battles so the main menu unlocks. Tap your duck avatar in the top-left to find settings, profile, and eventually the Giftcode option once the tutorial gate clears. Paste codes from the active codes list before spending starter diamonds so free draws and blueprints feed your first hero investments.
The UI separates campaign progression, hero roster, gear, guild, Arena, and events across bottom or side menus depending on version. Bookmark this wiki on your device so you can jump to the mobile touch controls reference when a night wave feels overwhelming.
Understanding the first stage loop
Stage one teaches build-by-day, defend-by-night explicitly. Highlighted circles show where structures can be placed. Gold-generating buildings fund Machine Gun Towers and Infantry Camps. When you tap Battle, a timer counts down while zombies approach from map edges. Your duck moves and auto-attacks while towers and heroes contribute damage.
Do not skip economy buildings on day one even if towers look more exciting. Without gold income, later days cannot support enough firepower. If the tutorial asks you to rebuild structures you already placed, restart the stage or contact support — a known early bug strand players without coins.
First skill picks
The opening roguelike choices might include Meteor Strike, Frost Shield, Focused Laser, or wave clear tools. On your first run, prioritize whatever keeps enemies away from the base longest. Control buys time for towers to shoot; area damage helps when packs cluster. Save boss-focused picks until a boss icon appears on the wave bar.
Detailed pick order lives in the best skills guide. Pair those picks with heroes from the best team page once gacha draws start arriving.
After your first clear
Claim chapter milestone rewards immediately. They often include gems, keys, or gear that accelerate the next push. Open the hero screen and label each unit by job: carry, control, defense, burst, or support. Upgrade the hero that makes your next failed night look different, not the highest rarity by default.
When ready for deeper systems, continue to the full beginner guide for week-one planning and the beginner walkthrough route for campaign ordering.