In a significant development for the gaming community, Phoenix Labs has officially announced the impending shutdown of its monster hunting game, Dauntless. The studio revealed on Steam that the game will cease operations on May 29, 2025, marking the end of an era for a title that once generated considerable excitement upon its launch five years ago.
Challenges and Changes
Initially hailed as the long-awaited PC alternative to the popular Monster Hunter franchise, Dauntless struggled to maintain its momentum. The game enjoyed a brief period of popularity, but its appeal waned significantly following the release of Monster Hunter: World by Capcom, which offered a more polished experience and garnered a larger player base.
The first signs of distress for Phoenix Labs emerged in May 2024, when the studio announced layoffs and the cancellation of several in-development projects. This decision was described as a “last-ditch resort” aimed at ensuring the studio’s survival amidst growing challenges.
In December 2024, Dauntless transitioned from its exclusive partnership with the Epic Games Store to Steam, a move that many hoped would revitalize interest in the game. Unfortunately, the release was marred by significant issues, including player progress resets and the introduction of a monetization model that was met with widespread disapproval. This led to a swift decline in user ratings, further compounding the game’s troubles.
By January 2025, the situation escalated as Phoenix Labs announced the layoff of a substantial portion of its workforce. The studio indicated that it would provide further details regarding the future of both Dauntless and its other title, Fae Farm, a life simulation game reminiscent of Stardew Valley. As of now, the fate of Fae Farm remains uncertain.
Amidst these developments, some members of the Dauntless community have speculated that the studio’s acquisition by the crypto company Forte in 2023 may have contributed to its decline. This acquisition went largely unnoticed until a report surfaced in 2024, prompting discussions about its potential impact on the game’s trajectory.
As anticipation builds for the release of Monster Hunter: Wilds, which promises to further elevate the franchise’s presence on PC, the outlook for Dauntless appears increasingly bleak. The combination of competitive pressures and internal challenges has rendered a turnaround nearly impossible.
In light of these developments, inquiries have been made to Phoenix Labs regarding the future of Fae Farm, and updates will be provided should a response be received.
