After a tumultuous period following the controversial Awakening update, Phoenix Labs has announced the shutdown of its free-to-play monster-hunting game, Dauntless. The servers will officially go offline on May 29, 2025, giving players just three months to enjoy the game's current content.

Originally launched in September 2019, Dauntless quickly gained popularity across PC, consoles, and later, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.  Inspired by titles like Monster Hunter, Dauntless offered players cooperative gameplay focused on taking down behemoths of varying difficulty.

The acquisition of Phoenix Labs by blockchain-focused firm Forte Labs in 2023 marked a turning point for the studio. The subsequent release of the Awakening update in late 2024 was met with widespread criticism and negative reviews, significantly impacting the game's player base.  Planned updates to address player concerns will no longer be implemented.

The shutdown announcement comes after layoffs affecting over 100 Phoenix Labs employees in January 2025. The studio confirmed that Dauntless will not receive any further updates or new content before its closure.  The game will also be removed from all digital storefronts.

While Dauntless reaches its end, Phoenix Labs' second title, the fantasy farm simulator Fae Farm, remains available.  The game, which launched in 2024 and received the Skies of Azoria expansion, requires a purchase, unlike the free-to-play model of Dauntless. The future of Fae Farm remains to be seen, especially in light of the challenges faced by Dauntless.

The closure of Dauntless serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the games industry and the impact of significant updates on player perception and long-term success.