WhileMonster Hunterfans are busy celebrating the release ofWilds, another hunting game franchise isn’t so lucky right now. News just broke on February 24 thatDauntlesswould be ending its service on June 19, 2025, after which it will no longer be playable. Furthermore, developer Phoenix Labs announced that no additional content or patches are coming forDauntless, including the major “Urban Reign” update that was just delayed out of January. Coming off of a string of controversial changes, this shutdown was somewhat expected, but still disheartening news after more than five years of operation.
Admittedly, one of the thingsDauntlesshas become known for is its inability to catch a break.Dauntlesswas first announced at The Game Awards 2016 with minimal console hunting game competition, butMonster Hunter Worldquickly changed that at E3 2017. Even withDauntless' beta topping 2 million playersshortly afterWorld’s launch, it couldn’t compete with the original hunting series’ rise to global fame. What followed was a downward spiral into strife and controversy, eventually resulting in Phoenix Labs losing most of its staff. There’s no savingDauntlessnow, but games like it need to give its best idea a second chance.
Free-To-Play Gave Dauntless A Unique Advantage Over Monster Hunter
Dauntlesswas devised as a free-to-play hunting game during a time whenMonster Hunterwas not as dominant as it is now. Various developments have affected the game and Phoenix Labs since then, with the acquisition by blockchain firm Forte Labs likely being the most consequential, but that core concept remained. Even thoughDauntlessdidn’t hook many existingMonster Hunterfans, it still has the appeal of being free on multiple platforms. The increased emphasis on monetization at the expense of its existing gameplay strengths inDauntless' December 2024 “Awakening” updatewas what soiled the game’s reputation, and the development team nearly dissolving a month later brought about its end.
However,Dauntlessdidn’t survive through the height ofMonster Hunter’s popularity with its existing microtransactions or sheer luck. Free-to-play hunting games are a nearly untapped market, withMonster Hunteritself just recently trying them with titles likeMonster Hunter NowandMonster Hunter Outlanders. Even ifDauntlesscouldn’t have the best of both worlds, it reached one demographic beforeMonster Hunter, and it’s one that was arguably underserved even beforeDauntless’ termination. Now thatDauntlessis leaving, the free-to-play hunting game space stands open, awaiting new challengers to step up and take advantage of this new vacancy.
Free-To-Play Hunting Games Like Dauntless Can Still Work
Just becauseDauntlessis shutting down doesn’t mean a free-to-playMonster Huntercompetitor is doomed. It’s far from it, even, as hardcore fans aren’t necessarily served by a newMonster Hunterlaunching without a Master Rank and casual fans are only willing or able to spend so long with a given entry. A free-to-play alternative with good enough presentation and mechanics can still grab both groups’ attention. The free-to-play stage may not be the best place to address growing concerns aboutMonster Hunter Wildsbeing too easyor streamlined, but it also doesn’t share the expectations of having those qualities in the first place.
Monster Hunter Has A Lack Of Competition In Its Space
Specifically, the free-to-play hunting game space on consoles and computers is basically empty withoutDauntlesschampioning the cause, so newcomers should start there. AfterWild Hearts’ failure a couple of years ago, thelack of games in the hunting genrebecame more apparent, so the more discerning console crowds should be receptive to games trying to enter and grow the space. What happened toDauntlesswas a long and tragic process, but at least it can serve as a warning for others to avoid certain decisions, and as a testament to how far even a failed free-to-play hunting game can go.
