Phoenix Labs, the developer behind the once-popular monster-hunting game Dauntless, has announced that the game will cease operations on May 29, 2025. This decision marks the end of a tumultuous journey for a game that initially garnered significant attention but faced numerous challenges in recent years.
The Rise of Dauntless
Launched in 2019, Dauntless was envisioned as a cooperative action game that offered an accessible alternative to Capcom’s Monster Hunter series. Developed by a team of former Riot Games employees, Phoenix Labs aimed to capture the essence of monster-hunting gameplay while making it approachable for a broader audience. The game quickly amassed a dedicated player base, praised for its engaging combat and cross-platform play.
Challenges and Competition
Despite its strong start, Dauntless faced stiff competition, particularly from Monster Hunter: World, which launched on PC six months after Dauntless and offered a more polished and content-rich experience. This overshadowed Dauntless and highlighted areas where it struggled to keep pace.
Operational Hurdles and Ownership Changes
In 2020, Phoenix Labs was acquired by Garena, a move that initially seemed to bolster the studio’s resources. However, in early 2023, the company was quietly sold to blockchain firm Forte, a transaction that remained undisclosed until a 2024 report brought it to light. This period also saw significant internal challenges, including multiple rounds of layoffs and project cancellations. In May 2024, over 100 employees were laid off, and several in-development projects were canceled to refocus efforts on Dauntless and the then-upcoming title Fae Farm.
The Disastrous ‘Awakening’ Update
In December 2024, Phoenix Labs attempted to rejuvenate Dauntless by releasing the “Awakening” update alongside its debut on Steam. This update aimed to overhaul core gameplay mechanics and introduce new content. However, it was met with overwhelming negative feedback due to several controversial changes:
- Progression Reset: Players discovered that their previous progress had been wiped, nullifying countless hours of gameplay and achievements.
- Monetization Changes: The introduction of a new monetization model, perceived as aggressive and unfriendly to free-to-play users, further alienated the community.
- Content Removal: Significant portions of existing content, including weapons and islands, were removed or locked behind paywalls, leading to frustration and a sense of betrayal among long-time players.
The backlash was swift and severe, with the game receiving an “overwhelmingly negative” rating on Steam shortly after the update’s release.
Further Layoffs and Uncertain Future
The fallout from the “Awakening” update exacerbated existing issues within Phoenix Labs. In January 2025, the company announced another round of layoffs, letting go of “the majority of the studio” as part of “unfortunate but necessary changes to our operations.” This raised concerns about the future of not only Dauntless but also Fae Farm, Phoenix Labs’ farming simulation game released in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dauntless shutting down?
Dauntless is scheduled to shut down on May 30, 2025.
Why is Dauntless being shut down?
In January 2025, Phoenix Labs announced significant layoffs of its development staff. Subsequently, in February 2025, they confirmed the decision to shut down Dauntless.
Will there be any final updates or events before the shutdown?
As of now, there have been no announcements regarding final updates or events leading up to the shutdown. Players are encouraged to stay tuned to official channels for any updates.
What will happen to my in-game purchases and currency?
Details regarding in-game purchases and currency have not been specified. It’s advisable to use any remaining in-game currency before the shutdown date.
Can I still play Dauntless until the shutdown date?
Yes, the game will remain operational, and players can continue to play until May 30, 2025.
Will there be any refunds for recent purchases?
Phoenix Labs has not provided information about refunds. Players should refer to the game’s official support channels for assistance.
What will happen to the game’s community and forums?
Information regarding the status of community forums and social media channels post-shutdown has not been disclosed.
Is there any chance the game will be saved or acquired by another company?
There have been no announcements about another company acquiring Dauntless or plans to keep the game running under new management.
What will happen to my game progress and account data?
After the shutdown, access to game servers, including all account data and progress, will no longer be available.
Are there any similar games you recommend after Dauntless shuts down?
Players who enjoyed Dauntless might consider trying games like Monster Hunter: World, which offers a similar monster-hunting experience.
Conclusion
“Dauntless,” a co-op action role-playing game developed by Phoenix Labs, is scheduled to shut down on May 30, 2025. Launched in 2019, “Dauntless” allowed players to hunt monstrous creatures called Behemoths across various platforms, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game supported cross-platform play and progression, enabling a unified gaming experience.
In December 2024, “Dauntless” received a significant update titled “Dauntless Awakening,” which introduced new weapons—bringing the total to 18—and revamped the game’s quest structure based on community feedback. This update coincided with the game’s debut on the Steam platform. However, in January 2025, Phoenix Labs announced substantial layoffs of its development staff, leading to the decision to terminate “Dauntless” services in May 2025.
The shutdown of “Dauntless” reflects the challenges faced by live-service games in maintaining player engagement and financial viability over time. Despite efforts to revitalize the game through major updates and platform expansions, sustaining a sufficient player base and revenue stream proved difficult. This situation underscores the competitive nature of the gaming industry, where continuous innovation and adaptation are crucial for a game’s longevity.
