Lightweight and cartoony free-to-play Monster Hunter-alike Dauntless has made the leap from a protracted open beta to cross-platform launch in the present day. Releasing concurrently on PC, Xbox One and PS4 (with a Switch model due later), gamers are free to make use of one account to play on all methods, and social gathering up with individuals on different platforms. For us on PC, the most important change is Phoenix Labs making the quick hop onto the Epic Games Store, the place Dauntless matches in fairly properly alongside the equally styled Fortnite. Below, a launch trailer.
It’s telling that the very first monster Dauntless asks gamers to hunt is an outsized beaver. It is admittedly the dimensions of a giant automotive, with a tail able to battering somebody to demise, however it’s not precisely essentially the most intimidating of creatures. It additionally doesn’t do very a lot injury when it hits the participant, as a result of not like Monster Hunter, Dauntless is raring to ease gamers in with a minimal of ache, screaming and/or terror. Whether this seems like a blessed aid or lacking the purpose of monster looking is up for debate, however that’s the way it works. It’s a clear, polished and accessible little bit of design, arguably higher performed with mouse and keyboard than gamepad.
Dauntless is a sooner, extra slight beast in comparison with Monster Hunter: World, and much much less ferocious than the big earlier era of Monster Hunter games. It doesn’t take an excessive amount of effort to bop the monsters you’re after (there are solely round twenty sorts) and craft it into the armour and weaponry you need. It’s a game the place you’ll be able to go online rapidly, soar right into a matchmade session with a handful of different gamers and go hassle a giant beaver. It’s Monster Hunter for very busy individuals, maybe, or those that wish to play it as a pure energy fantasy as a substitute of a protracted, bloody climb.
While the hunts within the game are mild in comparison with the competitors, there’s nonetheless loads of long-term development choices. Optional targets per monster and weapon sort are tracked with their very own rewards, and there’s a ‘Hunt Pass’ seasonal development monitor within the vein of Fortnite/Rocket League/Apex Legends and others. There’s a free monitor that largely offers extra sensible rewards, however gamers can put cash down for entry to a second tier, largely beauty. Today’s launch marks the beginning of in the present day’s season, which is ninja-themed. For these fearful about having to pay cash to get pleasure from Dauntless, don’t be. You simply received’t be sporting this season’s hottest appears.
Dauntless is out now and free-to-play. You can learn extra on the game’s official page (together with details on the Hunt Pass here), or grab it on the Epic Games Store. Beta gamers can be given the choice to switch their account over to Epic when logging in for the primary time.
