Another Live-Service Game Closing Its Doors as Dauntless Prepares to Go Offline Soon

Dauntless, a free-to-play game developed by Phoenix Labs that features gameplay similar to Monster Hunter, will be shutting down on May 29. This announcement came from the official Dauntless X account, which stated clearly that no new content or updates will be available for the game, and it will become unplayable after the shutdown date.

Dauntless was first launched in 2019 on PC through the Epic Games Store and consoles. It gained popularity for being an easier and more accepting approach to the giant monster-hunting genre, often likened to Capcom’s Monster Hunter series. One of its standout features was the ability for players to engage in cross-play and cross-progression, allowing them to continue their progress across various gaming platforms.

Sadly, the game’s closure comes just two months after it became available on Steam. Since its release there, it has received mostly negative reviews from players. Many have voiced dissatisfaction with the new monetization approach and the decision to reset player progress with a major update called the Awakening update.

The news of Dauntless shutting down follows a challenging period for Phoenix Labs. Recently, it was reported that a significant number of the studio’s developers were let go in a new round of layoffs. This was not the first instance of layoffs at the studio, as it had undergone similar cuts in both 2023 and 2024. In 2023, Phoenix Labs was acquired by Forte Labs, a blockchain company.

In the company’s statement about the layoffs, Phoenix Labs acknowledged the hard work and creativity of the affected employees, emphasizing their impact on the studio’s projects. They expressed regret over these necessary decisions, recognizing the importance of each individual in contributing to the success of their games.

While the future of Dauntless has become uncertain, there is also interest in what will happen to another Phoenix Labs title named Fae Farm, which is a farming simulation game released in 2023. The studio has indicated that they will provide more updates about Fae Farm soon, but they have not disclosed specific plans yet.

As the closing date approaches, the Dauntless community is left reflecting on their experiences and the journey they shared throughout the game’s lifecycle. The game’s developers have thanked players for their support and involvement in making Dauntless the game it became.