Dauntless, the Free-to-Play Monster Hunter-Style Game, is Closing After Major Studio Layoffs

Just a few weeks after letting go of most of its workforce, the game developer Phoenix Labs has announced that it will be shutting down its popular free-to-play action game, Dauntless. This game, which is similar to the well-known Monster Hunter series, had a successful start when it entered early access on PC in May 2018. However, after its full launch the following year, it faced challenges in keeping the initial excitement it generated.

In a brief message shared on social media, Phoenix Labs revealed the closure date for Dauntless, stating, “Dauntless is shutting down on May 29, 2025. Dauntless will receive no additional content or updates. Dauntless will no longer be available to play on and after May 29th, 2025 at 11:45 PM PST. Thanks to all for being a part of the Dauntless journey.” This announcement marks the official end of a game that had a promising start.

The confirmation of Dauntless’ closure comes after Phoenix Labs went through several rounds of layoffs. The company was acquired by a cryptocurrency firm called Forte in 2023, which added to the uncertainty. Last May, Phoenix Labs announced it was stopping all projects except for Dauntless and another game called Fae Farm, while also laying off around 140 employees. This decision was part of a strategy to ensure a more stable future for the company. More recently, another round of job cuts affected a majority of the staff, which the company described as “unfortunate but necessary changes to our operations.”

Initially, the studio had hinted that it would share information about the future of both Dauntless and Fae Farm in the weeks to come. However, with Dauntless’ fate now confirmed, there has been no further information disclosed regarding what will happen with Fae Farm.

Dauntless had initially made waves in the gaming community with its fast-paced gameplay and cooperative features, drawing in players who enjoy battling large monsters together. Despite its rocky path after the full launch, it built a dedicated fan base over the years. The decision to shut down the game has left many fans disappointed, especially those who had supported the game since its early days.

As the closure date approaches, players are encouraged to make the most of their remaining time with the game, even if no new content or updates will be released. The final moments for Dauntless will be framed by the gratitude expressed by Phoenix Labs to its players for their support throughout the years.

Overall, the story of Dauntless reflects the challenges that many game developers face in maintaining a successful title in a highly competitive industry. It serves as a reminder of the uncertainties in the world of gaming and how even promising projects can encounter difficulties.