After more than two years in closed alpha and beta testing, Dauntless finally arrives on all platforms. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to play it during the first closed beta test, and after playing it again for some time today, I can honestly say that it managed to greatly improve over the few years.
Dauntless is developed by Phoenix Labs and is greatly inspired by Capcom’s best-selling series, Monster Hunter. More specifically, it draws most of its gameplay similarities with Monster Hunter World. The biggest difference is that Dauntless is completely free-to-play and relies on a microtransaction system for its economy. I don’t have much love for microtransactions, but I do have to admit that they can be good from time to time when implemented correctly in a free-to-play title, much like Warframe did.
The launch of the title yesterday across all platforms was also monumental, as Dauntless is now the first ever game to be released with cross-play support across all three major platforms – PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 – at launch. I tried it out as well in-game a few hours ago, and it’s amazing to see how seamless it was. You can see what platforms players are playing on right beside their name, and in my first match, I got teamed up with two PlayStation 4 players plus one on Xbox One. Really impressive stuff.
Dauntless’ official release is also accompanied by a very large patch for Open Beta 0.8.0. Here are some of the major changes in the patch as listed on the Dauntless site. For a full list of the changes made for the patch, check it out here.
Dauntless Release: OB 0.8.0
NEW TO DAUNTLESS
- True cross-play. Slayers can now play with friends and other slayers across all platforms including PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. You can also use your existing Epic Games account to access your progress on any system for a seamless transition between platforms.
- Character creator rework. The character creation function has been greatly improved, featuring more sliders to properly customize your character. You can also change your appearance at any time in the game, even after you’ve started playing. A randomizer for your appearance has also been added.
- Traversal changes. General and subtle changes to movement means that you can now traverse environments smoother than ever before. Stamina costs for sprinting and jumping have been reworked, and Dauntless now allows mantling. In Ramsgate, base of operations for Slayers, the camera has been reworked to include a wider field of view, allowing you to take in more of the sights.
- Support-A-Creator. Players will now be able to support their favourite creator using the Support-A-Creator feature. If you don’t know your favourite creator’s Tag, you can search the full list here.
- Elemental rework. A new element, called Terra, has been added to the aetheric spectrum, alongside the other elements: frost, blaze, and shock. The monsters Koshai, Kharabak, and Skarn have adopted this new element, so be sure to check their new strengths and weaknesses accordingly. New visual and audio effects for Terra behemoths have been added, as well as to their respective gear. New Terra Orbs and Terra Patrols have also been added to your materials and maps.
- New alternate weapon specials. Axe and repeaters get new alternate specials. Climbing the mastery ranks for each weapon unlocks the Grim Onslaught for the axes and Full-Bore Chambers for the Ostian repeaters.
- Mastery rewards view. Slayers can now check their earned and upcoming Mastery rewards without leaving the game. Look for the Rewards button on the Mastery screen.
- New Hunt Pass. The Hidden Blades Hunt Pass begins with OB 0.8.0. This Hunt Pass celebrates the Moon Blossom Festival and adds 50 levels of assassin-themed rewards, such as emotes, weapon skins, dyes, and more. Check out the full list of rewards here.
- Improved store. The store has been reworked and improved to respond better and load quicker, making for smoother transactions. The patch has also added the ability to preview items before purchasing, so you can see how your new cosmetic will look like on your character before you decide to buy it. Previewing items is also available within the Hunt Pass.
- New store packs. Two new store packs have been added to the game for this patch. Purchase the Arcslayer Pack for a full set of cosmetic armor, a lantern skin, platinum and more. Alternatively, you can also get the Timely Arrival Pack, to get a brand-new arrival emote and some essential supplies.
- Dye rework. Dyes got a major rework. Look for new categories, new names, and new ways to earn dyes. This patch also lays the groundwork for an upcoming third dye region. Read all about it in the dye changes blog right here.
These changes are but a small part of the larger patch, so if you want to learn everything new in OB 0.8.0 for Dauntless, check it out here.
Dauntless is now available to play for free on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and the Epic Games Store on PC. A version for the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices is currently in the works.
