Phoenix Labs to Shut Down Dauntless in May Following Layoffs and Controversial Updates

The free-to-play Monster Hunter-inspired game will become unplayable after May 29, 2025, following years of declining player numbers and financial struggles.

Dauntless, launched in 2019 as a free-to-play alternative to Monster Hunter, will shut down permanently on May 29, 2025, after ceasing updates and support.
The game's closure follows Phoenix Labs' acquisition by blockchain company Forte in 2023, which led to mass layoffs and the cancellation of other projects.
A December 2024 update introduced unpopular changes, including monetization shifts and progression resets, leading to overwhelming negative feedback from players.
Dauntless initially attracted millions of players and was the first game to offer full cross-play across major platforms but struggled to maintain its player base over time.
Phoenix Labs has not clarified the future of its other title, Fae Farm, as the studio faces uncertainty after laying off the majority of its staff in January 2025.