Highguard: A Unique Shooter Experience That’s Worth Your Attention

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience a hands-on preview of Highguard, an engaging new free-to-play 3v3 competitive shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment, a studio formed by former Respawn developers known for titles like Apex Legends and Titanfall. While it brings certain recognizable elements to the table, Highguard confidently carves out its own identity.

Highguard faces a significant challenge: overcoming hero shooter fatigue. This sentiment was palpable during The Game Awards, where the reveal trailer failed to generate much excitement, leading viewers to remark, “Another hero shooter filled with quirky characters? One of them must go invisible!” While this observation has merit, the game transcends initial perceptions.

Upon diving into gameplay, the smooth and responsive gun mechanics familiar to fans of the genre quickly become apparent. Highguard envelops players in a captivating raid-oriented loop that feels intuitive for those who have played Apex Legends, setting it apart from initial trailer impressions.

Understanding Highguard

Highguard’s matches unfold in three distinct phases, beginning with exploration where players traverse the map on mounts, scavenging for resources, and looting weapons from crates. These acquired resources can be used to make upgrades at merchant vendors, priming participants for the intense combat that follows.

Siege on base in Highguard — Image Credit: Wildlight Entertainment

The combat escalates over the coveted Shieldbreaker, a key sword that becomes available after a defined duration. Teams clash in a contest reminiscent of capture-the-flag, with the ultimate goal of delivering the Shieldbreaker to the opposing base, initiating the raid phase of the game.

During raids, one team attacks while the other defends. Players must exercise caution, as respawn opportunities are limited. Damage inflicted is directed toward enemy generators, and successful defense means that damage is redirected towards the attackers’ base, elevating the stakes on every assault.

Is Highguard Just Another Hero Shooter?

From the outset, it’s clear that Highguard has deep roots in the heritage of competitive shooters. Although built on a new engine, players will recognize the comparable gunplay and fluid movement dynamics akin to Apex Legends. With responsive weapons and intense firefights, the experience remains approachable even during chaotic moments. Each character, or “Warden”, comes equipped with a familiar framework of passive, tactical, and ultimate abilities, mirroring elements seen in Apex Legends.

However, it’s essential to note that Highguard differentiates itself in significant ways. The game director cited Rust as a key influence, particularly concerning its handling of raids and pressure on bases. Additionally, elements reminiscent of Rainbow Six Siege appear, particularly in the mechanics of wall destruction. This blend creates a dynamic environment where matches oscillate between strategic preparation and high-stakes engagements.

Highguard Warden — Image Credit: Wildlight Entertainment

The variety among characters stands out, with diverse abilities that are easy to master. Despite the potential for visual clutter in ability-heavy gameplay, the 3v3 format keeps encounters manageable and engaging.

After four years in development, the team is committed to delivering a robust multiplayer shooter experience. They’ve drawn inspiration not only from Rust but also from Minecraft Bed Wars, where the defense of a core objective mirrors gameplay dynamics in Highguard.

Is Free-to-Play Done Right?

On the monetization front, Wildlight appears to be steering clear of many typical pitfalls associated with free-to-play models. There are no loot boxes or chance-based purchase systems. Instead, players can buy cosmetics directly, with the highest priced items set at $20, offering a range of skins for wardens, mounts, and weapons.

Additionally, players can obtain various cosmetic items like weapon charms, banners, and emotes. This straightforward approach reflects Wildlight’s desire for a store that resonates with player expectations.

While there is an engaging world-building component, it remains subtle during gameplay. Developers aim to enrich the game’s lore through trailers and external content, placing priority on gameplay while providing deeper insights for invested players.

Highguard’s Future: A Make-or-Break Moment

Highguard certainly made a positive first impression, but its long-term sustainability is the core question moving forward. The game’s central mode must maintain sufficient depth, variety, and fresh content to remain appealing over time.

The Year 1 roadmap includes new bases, wardens, and systems along with plans for a Ranked mode. However, the ultimate success of Highguard hinges on whether its engaging gameplay loop continues to captivate audiences over the months and years ahead.

I enjoyed my four-hour gameplay session, but whether the experience remains compelling over 20 or 30 hours of raiding remains to be seen. While overcoming initial hero shooter fatigue was a significant hurdle, the sustainability of base-raiding engagement will be the true test for Highguard.

Highguard is now available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, offering a free-to-play experience for all players.

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