Players are upset with the recent changes made to the free game Dauntless. The update, coinciding with the game’s Steam release, has drastically reduced content and introduced controversial monetization strategies, leading to an overwhelming negative response from players.
The most significant change is the reduction in weapon variety. Dauntless originally boasted around 200 weapons, a key feature that drew comparisons to Monster Hunter. The update slashed this number to a mere 18, effectively gutting a core element of the gameplay experience. The developers introduced loot boxes, which further angered the community.
Steam reviews for Dauntless have plummeted in the wake of these changes. Players are voicing their frustration not only on the platform but across social media and the game’s subreddit. Many feel that the essence of the game they once loved has been lost, with the focus shifting away from the crafting and progression systems that are central to the action RPG genre.
This IS definitely a change. We do want to clarify that Alluring Moons is the only weapon that you have to pay for, other weapons can still be earned for free by earning weapon tokens. In time, even Alluring Moons will become available for free.
— Dauntless (@PlayDauntless) December 5, 2024
The drastic changes appear to be driven by management decisions rather than creative ones. Dauntless and its developer, Phoenix Labs, have undergone several ownership changes in recent years. The most recent acquisition was by a company with a focus on blockchain technology, raising concerns about the game’s future direction.
This shift in ownership, coupled with recent layoffs and canceled projects at Phoenix Labs, suggests financial pressures may be influencing these unpopular decisions.
Experts are comparing Dauntless’s actions to other controversial gaming decisions. Games like Destiny 2 and Star Wars Galaxies have also faced criticism for removing content. However, many view Dauntless’s overhaul as more severe due to the sheer amount of content removed.
The timing of this overhaul is particularly unfortunate for Dauntless. With a new Monster Hunter title on the horizon, players looking for their monster-slaying fix may be more inclined to jump ship. The decision to strip away content and add loot boxes seems at odds with the preferences of the action RPG community, who typically value deep crafting systems and clear progression paths.
