Highguard: A Unique Blend of Gameplay Styles

Highguard, the new free-to-play PvP 'raid shooter, ' has taken the gaming world by storm. Developed by Wildlight Entertainment, a studio formed by former Titanfall 2 and Apex Legends developers, Highguard offers a fresh twist on the first-person shooter genre. The game is set in a 3v3 format, where two teams of three players each start at opposite ends of one of five maps. Each team begins in one of six base types. The main objective is to secure the Shieldbreaker, a powerful magical sword, and use it to break down the enemy's shield. Once the shield is down, players must navigate through the enemy base and destroy three generators to claim victory. Players take on the role of a Warden, choosing from eight unique characters, each with their own special abilities. These abilities add a layer of strategy to combat. Players can equip one of ten standard weapons and one of three powerful, limited-use Raid weapons. Adding to the uniqueness, Wardens traverse the map on one of three mounts: a horse, a panther, or a bear.Highguard blends elements from various game types. The capture and control of the Shieldbreaker resemble Capture the Flag, while the large-scale maps and loot boxes filled with better weapons and armor draw inspiration from battle royale titles like Apex Legends. The attacking and defending of bases, with the ability to plant and defuse bombs, adds a Search and Destroy element to the gameplay. The game's reveal at The Game Awards 2025 sparked discussions about its suitability as the closing title. Some players were initially unsure about the game's identity. However, with the game now live on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5, players are getting a chance to experience it firsthand. Highguard's launch on Steam was impressive, reaching 97, 000 concurrent players in just its first hour. This strong start indicates a high level of interest and engagement from the gaming community. Looking ahead, Wildlight Entertainment has a roadmap for the entire year of 2026. The studio plans to introduce more Wardens, bases, weapons, maps, mounts, and other content as soon as next month. This ongoing support and updates promise to keep the game fresh and exciting for players.