Dauntless originally aimed to be a free-to-play alternative to Monster Hunter, but ultimately could not compete with the release of Monster Hunter World. In hopes of saving the MMO, developer Phoenix Labs is now attempting a restart.
What kind of update is it? Initially announced under the name “The Shattered Isles,” the developer studio Phoenix Labs revealed in a dev blog in August 2023 (via playdauntless) that they were working behind the scenes on a comprehensive content update to give Dauntless new appeal.
At the end of September 2024, there was a beta under the new name “Dauntless: Awakening”. Interested players could extensively test the significant changes and provide feedback.
Now, over a month after the beta, the developers announced that the extensive overhaul update is set to launch by the end of the year (via playdauntless). A more precise release date is to be announced later this week in another dev blog.
A Fresh Breeze as an Opportunity
What revisions does the update bring? The focus of the update is on improving the overall player experience, equipment, and encounters. Specifically, it will address the following points:
- Combat improvements: This includes the ability to equip more than one weapon simultaneously, offering more flexible combat options. Furthermore, both the combat system will be clearer and the interactions between Slayers and Behemoths will be more responsive.
- New progression system: This should incorporate deeper, permanent progress for the weapons and community feedback on re-crafting and overloading.
- Encounters and hunts: There should be more dynamic islands and new exploration incentives. Additionally, the Behemoths will receive revamped behaviors, allowing them to interact more with their environment.
- Difficulty level: This will be finely adjusted in all modes without devaluing the mastery of the game mechanics.
- Quests: The main and side quests, as well as the tutorial, will also be revised and improved.
Additionally, the visuals will receive a new coat of paint, and the interface will be improved. Rewards will also be used more meaningfully. There will be new activities as well.
Whether Phoenix Labs’ efforts will pay off remains to be seen. As a community-oriented developer studio, there is significant potential in their endeavor. Why Dauntless has unfortunately flopped so far and what consequences that has had for the studio can be read here: A great MMO wanted to be like Monster Hunter World: Now the studio is facing closure
