Overview

• 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.