What is Highguard? Everything You Need to Know

Okay, so when I heard that some of the people who made Apex Legends and Titanfall had started their own studio, I was immediately interested! This new studio, called High Guard, is working on a free-to-play shooter that’s already getting a lot of buzz. It’s not some small, untested project either – these are seriously talented developers who know how to make shooting feel amazing. They’re taking everything they’ve learned and applying it to something totally new: a team-based shooter set in a fantasy world where you raid bases. It’s got that super-smooth, responsive gameplay we loved in their other games, but with magic, cool mounts, and a lot more strategy!

Key Takeaways

Master the Raid Cycle: Victory isn’t about kill counts; it’s about executing a strategic loop. Focus on capturing the Shieldbreaker to drop the enemy’s defenses, then coordinate a full-scale assault on their base.
Synergize Your Warden Abilities: Success in High Guard hinges on building a balanced 3-person team. Combine offensive, defensive, and support powers to create a squad that can handle any situation.
Adapt to a Changing Battlefield: With a content roadmap promising a steady flow of new Wardens and maps, the most successful players will be those who continuously update their strategies to match the evolving meta.

What is High Guard?

You might have heard about a new shooting game that’s gaining popularity, and you’ve come to the right place to learn more. High Guard is quickly becoming a favorite, particularly for players who enjoy quick, strategic action. It combines classic shooter mechanics with imaginative fantasy elements, and it’s being developed by a very experienced team. Let’s take a closer look at the game and the people behind it.

A Free-to-Play PvP Raid Shooter

High Guard is a free-to-play team shooter where players battle in strategic raids. Two teams of three, known as Wardens, compete against each other in repeating phases until only one team remains. Teamwork and smart tactics are key to winning – it’s less about individual skill and more about how well your squad collaborates. If you enjoy coordinating strategies in games like Warzone, you’ll likely enjoy High Guard.

From the Minds Behind Apex and Titanfall

High Guard is special because of the talented team creating it. These aren’t newcomers to the shooter genre – they’re experienced developers who previously worked on popular games like Apex Legends and Titanfall. That background suggests the game will have refined shooting and movement. About four years ago, over 60 developers left established publishers to start their own independent studio. Many of them had already collaborated for more than ten years, and they set out to create the game they truly wanted to make – that game is High Guard.

How Do Raids Work in High Guard?

High Guard focuses on carefully planning and carrying out raids. It’s a repeating process of getting ready, engaging in fast-paced combat, and then defending what you’ve captured. Instead of simply trying to eliminate the opposing team, you’re working to dismantle their base while safeguarding your own. Every match feels like a crucial battle where thoughtful base building and teamwork are key. Let’s take a closer look at how these raids work.

Master 3v3 Team-Based Combat

Okay, so High Guard is basically a really cool 3v3 shooter. You team up with two friends, and you go up against another team of three – they call them Wardens. The first thing you do is pick a base to defend, and that choice actually matters a lot! The way your base is set up totally changes how you play defense for the whole match. It’s not a game where you can just run in alone and expect to win; you have to work with your team, communicate, and cover each other. It’s a lot like getting your Warzone loadout just right – building a team that works well together is super important if you want to win!

Understanding the Shieldbreaker Mechanic

At the start of each match, the biggest initial struggle is over the Shieldbreaker. It’s essentially the key to starting the raid. This important objective appears on the map, and both teams immediately fight to take control of it. Your goal is to capture the Shieldbreaker and deliver it to the enemy base. Doing so disables their defenses and officially begins the raid. This creates an exciting, fast-paced beginning to every match, forcing teams to clash right away. Whoever consistently controls the Shieldbreaker will dominate the game and keep the pressure on their opponents.

Destroy the Base with Non-Regenerating Health

When a raid begins, your team has a limited time to damage the enemy base as much as possible. You’ll focus on the base’s core, along with two other important targets. Importantly, all damage dealt to the base lasts for the entire match – it won’t heal. This means every raid, even unsuccessful ones, helps you make progress towards your goal. If you don’t destroy the base immediately, the raid cycle starts over. A powerful unit called the Shieldbreaker returns, and both teams get stronger weapons and armor, making the next attack even more challenging.

What Makes High Guard Different?

High Guard offers a unique experience by combining the action of tactical shooters with the creativity of fantasy adventures. Unlike many games where you fight to be the last player alive, High Guard focuses entirely on challenging raids. This creates a different kind of gameplay – one that emphasizes careful planning and strong teamwork more than quick reactions. It’s a game that requires both strategic thinking and skillful execution, blending the tension of a shooter with the imaginative setting of a fantasy world. Let’s take a closer look at what makes High Guard special.

Where Fantasy Meets Tactical Shooting

High Guard is built around a single, central goal: the raid. Matches are a back-and-forth of attacking and defending until one team wins. It’s not about getting the most kills, but about carefully planned teamwork. Because the raid is the main focus, players must think through every action. You’ll be either trying to destroy the enemy base or defending your own, and this focus on strategy and coordination makes each match feel like an intense, fast-paced operation where timing is everything.

A New Take on Mobility with Mounts

Say goodbye to slow travel! High Guard is adding mounts, a brand-new way to get around that completely changes how the game plays. These mounts make it much faster to travel, but they also let you try new strategies like surprising enemies from the side, quickly moving to a better position, or escaping danger. The developers immediately knew mounts were a great addition – a quick test version showed they were key to fun movement. With a year of new content planned, mounts also suggest the game world is built for adventure, and how you explore will continue to improve and become even more exciting.

The Structure of Offensive and Defensive Phases

High Guard focuses on exciting attack and defend battles. Two teams of three players face off, with one team trying to destroy the other’s base and the other team defending it. The attackers have a limited time to destroy the base’s core or two important structures. What makes the game thrilling is that any damage to the base lasts for the entire match. If the attackers don’t succeed, the game resets, but the defending base starts with less health, creating constant pressure and making each attack crucial.

Meet the Wardens: Classes and Abilities

In Highguard, winning isn’t just about aiming well. You play as Wardens – characters with distinct magical powers and battlefield roles. They’re like special forces operatives in a fantasy setting, combining shooting skills with powerful spells. Picking the Warden that best suits how you like to play – and what your team needs – is crucial for success in raids. Do you prefer to fight directly, build defenses with magic, or support your team with healing and boosts? There’s a Warden for every style.

To truly excel as a Warden, you need to understand everything they can do – from their basic attacks to their powerful ultimate move. But a strong character isn’t enough on its own. Upgrading your equipment – like weapons, armor, and amulets – will give you a significant advantage in challenging situations. Ultimately, success depends on teamwork. A coordinated squad that works well together will almost always outperform a group of individual players, no matter how skilled they are. This guide will help you discover your ideal playstyle, equip yourself for victory, and build an unstoppable team.

Find Your Role and Magic System

Each Warden has a unique job within a team, so it’s important to know how their abilities help. Some Wardens are best at leading attacks and breaking through enemy lines, while others are better at defending, setting traps, and protecting your base. Understanding these roles and each Warden’s special powers will help you predict what your opponents will do and make better decisions. You don’t need to learn every Warden right away. Choose one or two that fit how you like to play and become really familiar with their abilities. Focusing on a few will make you a stronger and more dependable teammate.

Upgrade Your Equipment and Magical Amulets

The Warden is already strong, but finding better gear will make you even more powerful. Throughout the game, you’ll discover improved weapons, stronger armor, and faster saddles for your mount. Don’t miss magical amulets – these special items grant unique benefits like reduced ability cooldowns or increased damage. If you’re struggling to find the gear you need, check with Trader Flynn. He’s a helpful source for completing your equipment and finding that final piece to perfect your playstyle.

Build an Effective Team Composition

Highguard is a team game – you won’t succeed going it alone. Constant communication and teamwork are essential. A key part of winning is creating a well-rounded team before the match begins. Consider how different Wardens’ abilities can work together – for example, combining a Warden who slows enemies with one who deals strong area damage is a great strategy. Successful teams usually balance offense, defense, and support. Be sure to discuss roles with your teammates and build a squad where everyone complements each other’s strengths.

Winning Team Strategies for High Guard

High Guard isn’t just about fast reflexes; it’s a strategic game where careful planning is key. Consistent wins depend on strong teamwork and a well-rounded approach to both attacking and defending. Whether you’re protecting your base or launching an attack, mastering these strategies will help your team succeed on the battlefield. Let’s explore the tactics that distinguish experienced players from beginners.

Tactics for Building and Reinforcing Your Base

Your base is crucial, and how you defend it in the first minute can determine the outcome of the match. At the beginning, focus on strengthening your base, making key walls very difficult to destroy. Don’t reinforce randomly; consider where enemies are likely to attack and prioritize protecting your generators. This initial phase also highlights the importance of a well-rounded team. A team with different roles and abilities can cover more area and respond to threats more effectively than a team with identical setups. Having a balance of defense, long-range support, and close-combat strength will help you counter any enemy strategy.

How to Sabotage Generators and Control Objectives

Once you break through the enemy’s defenses, the challenge really starts. Your main job is to disable their generators – each one you destroy weakens the base significantly, dealing 35 damage and bringing you closer to winning. This is a team effort, so work together! Have one player distract the enemy while the other two focus on taking out a generator. Use your special abilities to block enemy vision or control the battlefield, giving your team time to plant explosives and escape. Choosing the right generator to target first can also make a huge difference.

Coordinate the Perfect Raid with Your Team

To overcome your opponent’s defenses, you need to capture the Shieldbreaker. This is a race – the first team to bring it to the enemy base will disable their shields, allowing a full attack. When activated, the Shieldbreaker temporarily removes the protective barrier around the enemy base, creating a window for a coordinated assault. This is the time to strike quickly and decisively. Your team should rush the base with a plan: destroy defenses, eliminate enemy players, and set explosives on their generators. A successful, coordinated raid can severely weaken the enemy, making victory much more likely. Constant and clear communication is crucial – call out enemy locations and coordinate your attacks.

A Guide to Maps and Game Modes

In Highguard, learning how to use your Warden’s powers is just the beginning. To truly succeed, you also need to understand the maps themselves. These aren’t just decorative – they’re carefully designed battlegrounds built around the core gameplay of constructing defenses, protecting your base, and attacking your opponent. Every match is a strategic challenge where you’ll need to defend yourself while finding the best way to break through your enemy’s defenses.

To succeed in this game, it’s important to understand how battles work, from protecting your base to attacking the enemy’s. While there are many ways to play, the most exciting part is the competitive raid mode. Whether you’re playing for fun or trying to climb the ranks, knowing the maps inside and out will always help you win. Let’s take a look at the map layouts, how the competitive mode works, and what changes you can expect in the future.

Learn the Base Layouts and Cross-Platform Play

At the start of each game, choosing your base is the most important decision. This is your safe haven and what the enemy team will try to destroy. As one preview explained, your base is your central fortress while you venture out to capture the Shield Breaker. Each map has a different base layout, with varying entry points, places to defend, and weak spots. Before each match, familiarize yourself with the best vantage points and routes around both your base and the enemy’s. Knowing where to build defenses and where the enemy is likely to attack is crucial for staying alive. And because the game supports cross-platform play, you can coordinate with friends on any console and share important information.

Climb the Ranks in Competitive Mode

Highguard’s competitive mode is the best place to test and improve your abilities. Success depends on teamwork, smart strategy, and how well you control your character. Winning matches will increase your rank, putting you against increasingly skilled players. The developers have planned a full year of updates to keep the competition fresh and exciting. Expect new characters, maps, and equipment to be released regularly, which will change the game and encourage players to try new tactics and approaches.

What to Expect from the Episode-Based Structure

Highguard is designed for continuous growth, and it will receive regular updates instead of large, infrequent expansions. The developers have a plan through 2026, releasing updates in two parts each. Most updates will introduce a new playable Warden, as well as a new weapon or map to keep gameplay interesting. This means players can look forward to a steady stream of fresh content, new ways to play, and consistent reasons to return and play with their friends.

What Content Updates Are Coming?

Don’t worry about Highguard becoming repetitive after the initial excitement! The developers have a detailed plan for lots of new content coming in the future. It’s not just a promise of future updates – they’re planning regular seasons and episodes with new characters, battlegrounds, and equipment to keep the game interesting and players coming back for more.

Seeing this level of openness is a great sign for any game that’s constantly updated. By openly sharing their plans, the developers are demonstrating their dedication to the game’s future and giving players a good reason to keep playing and look forward to new content. It shows they’re committed to building a game that grows and changes alongside its community. This goes beyond simple bug fixes – they’re planning to consistently add to the game’s world and offer new ways to experience it. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming in the months and years ahead.

The Two-Month Episode Schedule

Highguard will release new content in two-month blocks, divided into two parts. This provides a consistent stream of updates – roughly every month – which helps keep the game fresh and prevents players from figuring out the best strategies too quickly. Each update will usually introduce a new playable Warden with unique abilities and team options. Plus, we’ll regularly add new weapons and maps to keep things interesting. This consistent flow of content means there’s always something new to learn and discover.

New Wardens, Maps, and Game Modes on the Horizon

Highguard has a big future planned! The developers are aiming for seven major updates, each bringing new characters (Wardens), varied maps, and even completely new ways to play. This isn’t just about small changes; it’s a plan to significantly evolve the game over time. New Wardens will keep team strategies interesting, while fresh maps will require players to think differently. The addition of new game modes is especially promising, as it could offer a unique way to experience Highguard’s gameplay beyond the main raid system.

Fresh Weapons and Customization Options

In addition to major updates, we’re planning a year of smaller content releases centered around gear and customization. You can expect new weapons and ways to personalize your character and mounts, letting you fine-tune your equipment and appearance. These frequent updates will include things like powerful new amulets and cool cosmetic items, giving you consistent rewards and something new to work towards between the bigger releases – keeping the game fresh and engaging.

Where to Play: Platforms and Performance

I’m so hyped to finally start playing Highguard! The best part is it’s out on pretty much every platform – whether you’re a console person or a PC gamer like me, we’re all covered. I’ve been reading up on getting the best performance, and it seems like things can vary a bit depending on what you’re playing on. So, I figured I’d share what I’ve learned to help everyone have a smooth start.

Features for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series

Gamers with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S are in for a treat! Highguard brings a fresh mix of magic and shooting to consoles, and it’s free to play. You can download it and jump in with friends without spending any money. The game was created by a talented team who previously worked on popular titles like Apex Legends and Titanfall, so it feels great to play with a controller. The console versions are easy to set up and play, letting you focus on learning the game and teaming up with others.

A Look at System Requirements and Optimization

Highguard is great for PC players who want precise control with a mouse and keyboard. However, some players have experienced performance issues, such as the game not running at a consistently smooth frame rate, which can be frustrating during intense moments. If this happens to you, don’t worry – it’s a common problem with solutions. The Highguard community has created helpful guides detailing the best graphics settings. Spending a little time adjusting things like texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing can significantly improve performance, giving you a stable and more enjoyable gameplay experience.

How to Get Started in High Guard

So, you’re thinking about diving into High Guard? Awesome! It’s a really cool mix of fantasy magic and shooting, and honestly, the PvP is unlike anything I’ve played – teamwork is key. It can feel a little confusing when you first start, there’s a lot going on, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be leading raids and racking up wins. Consider this your quick start guide – I’m going to walk you through getting the game installed and everything you need to know before you jump into your first battle. Let’s get you ready to fight!

Your Guide to Downloading and Setup

High Guard is available to download now on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC! Best of all, it’s free to play, so you can jump right in. Simply visit your platform’s digital store, search for High Guard, and begin the download. While it’s installing, you’ll be glad to know the developers are planning a full year of updates, including new characters, maps, equipment, and more, released monthly. This means the game will constantly improve and offer ongoing challenges for players.

Essential Tips for Your First Match

You’ll start with a 3v3 match where the goal is to destroy the opposing team’s base. To do this, you need to obtain the Shieldbreaker, a special item that starts the attack phase. Both teams will immediately fight to control it. Once your team captures the Shieldbreaker and delivers it to the enemy base, you can begin raiding. Before you start playing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different Wardens available. Each Warden has unique skills and a specific role, so understanding how your character can help the team is crucial for a successful attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

In High Guard, the main goal isn’t simply to eliminate opponents. The game revolves around destroying the enemy base. You’ll need to capture the Shieldbreaker, deliver it to the enemy fortress to weaken their defenses, and then cause as much damage as possible before time runs out. The team that completely destroys the opposing base first wins the match.

If you don’t completely destroy the enemy base during a raid, don’t worry! Any damage you do inflict will stay there for the entire match – it won’t be repaired. When the time runs out, a new round begins, and both teams will fight to control the Shieldbreaker and get another opportunity to attack. This leads to a back-and-forth battle where every little bit of damage brings you closer to winning.

You don’t have to be a great shooter to succeed in this game. While good aim is useful, strategy, building a strong team, and using your Warden’s powers wisely are even more important. A team that works well together and combines their abilities effectively will often win against a group of players who are good at shooting but don’t cooperate. Knowing when to use your abilities is just as crucial as actually hitting your shots.

You can definitely play the game on your own, but it’s built around playing with others. Success depends heavily on teamwork – things like capturing points and defending your base all require good communication and coordination. While solo play is possible, you’ll have a much better experience and a significant edge if you team up with friends, build a well-rounded group, and strategize together. That’s really how the game is meant to be played.

High Guard intends to maintain player engagement over time by consistently releasing new content. They’ve published a roadmap detailing updates that will arrive every two months. These updates will include new characters (Wardens), maps, weapons, and eventually new ways to play. This approach aims to keep the game fresh and exciting with regular additions, rather than relying on large, infrequent expansions.

2026-02-09 14:34