You’ve seen the pink suits. You’ve seen the masks. But if you’re a high-end collector, you probably know that finding a "perfect" representation of the show's iconic henchmen is surprisingly hard. When Squid Game exploded in 2021, the market was flooded with cheap knockoffs and bobbleheads. Yet, one third-party company quietly stepped up to the plate with something that actually felt like a piece of the show.
Ekuaz Studio squid game figures aren't just toys. They are high-fidelity 1/6 scale replicas that managed to capture the eerie, sterile vibe of the series before official big-name brands even got their prototypes off the ground.
Most people think these are just "unlicensed customs," but they’ve actually become the gold standard for many collectors. Honestly, the level of detail on the "Game Guard" (model EKS07) puts some of the officially licensed stuff to shame.
Why Ekuaz Studio Nailed the Aesthetic
The first thing you notice about the Ekuaz Studio version is the fabric. Cheap figures use a shiny, costume-like polyester that looks like a Halloween outfit. Ekuaz went with a heavier, matte coverall material that drapes naturally over the action body.
It feels heavy. It looks real.
Then there are the boots. In the collector world, boots can make or break a figure. Most brands just mold them out of plastic. Ekuaz used real laces and added subtle weathering on the soles. It's those tiny scuffs that make it look like the guard has actually been standing on the concrete floor of a dormitory for eighteen hours.
The Swappable Hierarchy
You aren't stuck with just one rank. The EKS07 kit typically includes all three iconic masks:
- The Circle: The laborers who do the heavy lifting and cleanup.
- The Triangle: The armed soldiers who keep order with submachine guns.
- The Square: The managers who actually get to speak.
This versatility is basically why these things sold out so fast. You buy one box, but you can technically display three different characters.
The Weird Coffin Inclusion
One of the most morbidly cool parts of the Ekuaz Studio set is the "gift box" coffin. Remember those black boxes with the pink ribbons?
They included a 1/6 scale version of it.
It’s a bit creepy to have on a shelf, sure, but it's a massive part of the show's visual identity. Most fans use it as a backdrop or a stand-in for a display base. It’s that kind of "extra mile" thinking that separates third-party studios like Ekuaz from the mass-market producers.
Dealing with the "Red vs. Pink" Debate
If you hang out on Reddit or the Sideshow Freaks forums, you'll see a lot of arguing about color. In the show, the guards’ suits appear pink or reddish-pink depending on the lighting of the scene.
Some collectors complained that the Ekuaz Studio squid game guard is a bit too "red" under certain lights. Honestly, though? It matches the indoor lighting of the show’s set better than the bright neon pink you see in promo photos. It’s a nuanced choice that reflects the "gritty" reality of the show rather than the "pop art" marketing.
EKS05 and the Ekuaz Pedigree
A lot of people don't realize Ekuaz Studio isn't just a Squid Game shop. They have a history of making high-quality, "gray area" figures based on video games and movies. Their EKS05 model, known as the "Grim Reaper," was actually a phenomenal 1/6 scale version of Hunk from Resident Evil.
They know how to handle tactical gear. They know how to handle masks.
This experience translated perfectly into the Squid Game project. When they moved from the tactical, complex gear of a special forces soldier to the simple lines of a pink jumpsuit, they didn't lose the quality. They just shifted the focus to the tailoring and the weapons.
The Weaponry Loadout
The gear included isn't just generic plastic. You get:
- A submachine gun with a functioning sling.
- A revolver that fits snugly into a holster.
- Multiple interchangeable hands (ten, to be exact) for different grip styles.
The "chest mount and camera" accessory is also a standout. It’s a tiny detail, but it’s essential for that "all-seeing eye" feel that the Front Man’s guards have.
The Move to 1/12 Scale
Because the 1/6 scale (12-inch) figures were so popular, Ekuaz eventually branched out into the 1/12 scale (6-inch) market with the EKS08 "Game Guard II."
It’s basically the same figure, just shrunk down.
While the 1/12 scale loses some of the fine fabric detail (it’s just harder to make fabric look "in scale" when it's that small), it’s a great option for people who don't have enough shelf space for a dozen 12-inch soldiers.
Is it Still Worth Buying?
With Squid Game Season 2 and Season 3 on the horizon, interest in these figures is spiking again. If you’re looking for the Ekuaz Studio squid game figure now, you’re likely looking at the secondary market—sites like eBay or specialized collector groups.
Prices usually hover between $160 and $220 depending on the condition.
Compared to the S.H. Figuarts versions (which are smaller and made of plastic) or the official Hot Toys versions (which are often much more expensive), Ekuaz hits a sweet spot. You get the high-end "clothed" look of a premium figure without the $400 price tag of a licensed masterpiece.
What to Look Out For
If you're hunting for one of these, be careful. Because Ekuaz is a third-party studio, their boxes don't always have the "official" Netflix holographic stickers.
Check the boots. If the laces are molded plastic and not real string, you’re looking at a cheap bootleg, not an Ekuaz.
Also, look at the coffin. The Ekuaz version is sturdy and scaled correctly. Many knockoffs omit the coffin entirely or use a cheap cardboard version that falls apart if you breathe on it.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you're serious about adding an Ekuaz Studio squid game piece to your collection, don't just hit "Buy It Now" on the first eBay listing you see. Follow these steps to ensure you're getting the real deal:
- Verify the Model Number: Look specifically for "EKS07" for the 1/6 scale or "EKS08" for the 1/12 scale.
- Inspect the Tailoring: Ask the seller for "in-hand" photos of the jumpsuit. The fabric should have a visible weave and a matte finish, not a shiny "cheap" look.
- Check the Accessories: Ensure the figure includes all three masks (Circle, Triangle, Square). A "complete" set is significantly more valuable and offers more display options.
- Compare the Boots: Authentic Ekuaz figures feature weathered soles and real fabric laces. This is the hardest part for bootleggers to replicate.
By focusing on these specific quality markers, you can snag one of the best representations of the show's aesthetic ever produced. It’s a centerpiece that actually looks like it walked off the screen and onto your shelf.
