In recent years, numerous games have sought to replicate the successful formula of the Monster Hunter franchise, with Dauntless emerging as one of the pioneering titles to do so. This free-to-play action RPG, crafted by the Vancouver-based studio Phoenix Labs, immerses players in a vibrant fantasy world ravaged by a cataclysmic event. Players are tasked with a formidable challenge: to hunt down and eliminate the terrifying Behemoths that threaten their world. Initially released in early access in May 2018, shortly after the launch of Monster Hunter: World, Dauntless became widely accessible on various eighth-generation platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, in 2019.
While Dauntless made its debut on PC, it was initially an Epic Games Store exclusive, a result of Epic’s funding and publishing support on multiple platforms. The game finally launched on Steam on December 5, 2024, alongside the significant Dauntless: Awakening update, which aimed to revamp various gameplay systems. However, the transition to Valve’s platform has not been smooth; the game currently holds an “Overwhelmingly Negative”rating on Steam, with only 15% of reviews being positive. In addition to this troubling reception, players on all platforms have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the latest update, claiming it has introduced numerous flaws that detract from the gaming experience.
Heavy Criticism Surrounds Dauntless’s Awakening Update
Concerns Over Predatory Monetization Tactics
One of the primary complaints from the Dauntless community revolves around the new monetization strategies implemented in the Awakening update. While the free-to-play model has long included microtransactions, the latest changes have led to accusations of a more predatory approach. The significant patch introduced an increased number of limited-time cosmetic items in the battle passes, amplifying the fear of missing out (FOMO). Additionally, the update reintroduced loot boxes, which players can purchase to obtain unique weapons.
These loot boxes were previously removed following widespread backlash from fans and industry criticism regarding their monetization implications. John Houston, a prominent lead developer and co-founder of Phoenix Labs, indicated in a 2017 interview that the aim was to create a more transparent purchasing experience for players. Given his earlier stance against loot boxes, their re-emergence in Dauntless: Awakening is particularly perplexing.
Fan Discontent Over Removed Features
In addition to the monetization issues, players have expressed their outrage over the removal of several key features in Dauntless: Awakening. Many users on Steam have criticized Phoenix Labs for effectively erasing players’ progress from the main questline and weapon acquisitions. Consequently, players must either start anew and invest countless hours into the game to regain their lost achievements or resort to spending real currency to acquire desired weapons.
The revamped weapon crafting system has also faced scrutiny. The nerfing of Cells, which were previously used to customize weapon perks, has significantly altered gameplay dynamics. Players can no longer create diverse builds by mixing and matching abilities, as the new system restricts them to minimal +1 bonuses for additional Cells. This drastic shift has led many in the community to humorously note that the Awakening update seems to have eliminated more features than it contributed.
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