Highguard Launch: Devs Commit to Long-Term Success After Acclaimed Game Awards Trailer
Following its impressive reveal at The Game Awards, Highguard has officially launched, offering players a free-to-play PvP raid shooter experience. Developed by Wildlight, a studio comprising industry veterans from games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty, the game promises continuous post-launch content for a full year.
Highguard Overview
- Developers: Wildlight Entertainment
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
- Game Type: Free-to-play PvP raid shooter
- Release Date: December 2023
Players step into the role of Wardens, formidable gunslingers battling for dominance over a magical continent. The core gameplay blends siege warfare and territory control in an escalating match format. Teams of three choose unique bases to defend while exploring vast landscapes to gather resources and upgrade their equipment.
Gameplay Mechanics
As battles unfold, teams race to gain control of the Shieldbreaker, a powerful weapon essential for breaching enemy defenses. Engaging in a raid triggers dynamic combat scenarios, where strategy and teamwork become crucial. If a raid fails, the enemies can recover, and the match continues, allowing players to strategize and adapt.
Character and Content Diversity
Highguard features:
- Five expansive maps
- Six distinct bases
- Eight unique Wardens
- Three types of mounts
- Ten weapons
- Three raid tools
- Eleven modifications for weapons and raid tools
The game is designed to evolve, with new content rolling out through seasonal updates and expansions planned throughout 2026.
Commitment to Long-Term Success
Wildlight has emphasized its dedication to building a long-lasting franchise. The game’s live service model revolves around Episodes, lasting approximately two months each, with regular updates bringing new maps, modes, and characters. Developers assured that all core gameplay content will remain free, with any in-game purchases being purely cosmetic.
Dusty Welch, co-founder of Wildlight, stated that maintaining a vibrant global community is their primary objective. All players will initially receive the Episode One War Chest, which includes 44 items such as legendary skins and emotes.
Chad Grenier, co-founder and game director, highlighted that Highguard is a unique offering in the realm of PvP raid shooters. The focus on escalation—fortification, confrontation, and coordinated raids—makes gameplay distinctly thrilling and strategically diverse.
With a commitment to thriving community engagement and ongoing content development, Highguard is positioned to make a significant impact in the gaming world, promising players a fresh experience with every match.
