Highguard is a newly released game by Wildlight Entertainment. It became available on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on January 26, 2026. The game was first announced and previewed at the end of The Game Awards 2025. For the purposes of this review, gameplay is based on the version available on Windows through Steam.
In Highguard, you play as one of eight Wardens in 3v3 or 5v5 raids. In these raids, you work with your team to secure your base and gather supplies, collect a weapon called the “Shieldbreaker” that allows you to break into the enemy’s base, and destroy the generators that power their base. Destroying the heart of the base instantly ends the game. If a base isn’t fully destroyed by the end of the time limit, additional time is given to fortify the base again to prepare for the next raid and collect additional resources. The winner is determined based on the team who has the base with the most health. You can also ride different mounts for faster transportation across the maps as you collect supplies prior to raids beginning. Mounts are available from the start of the game, and additional mounts can be unlocked.
A tutorial mode is available from the start and is the initially selected mode when you first open the game. This tutorial mode goes over the basic controls of the game as well as the different features of the Wardens and how the game is played. At the end of it, you’re given an option to watch a more advanced tutorial video, but it’s not required to start playing the game. Once the tutorial is completed, it’s replaced in the game selection menu with the Firing Range to continue practicing your skills. The tutorial is still available, however, if you need a refresher, and the advanced tutorial video will still be available after replaying the tutorial if you want to watch it later.
There’s also daily and weekly challenges to be completed, in addition to Steam achievements. Ranked gameplay is currently unavailable, despite being an option in the game selection menu, but it will be available in the future.
Highguard offers three different types of in game currency. The first is Highguard Gold, which is purchased with real money and used to purchase War Chests and cosmetics in the game. The second is Warden Credits, which are earned by playing games and can be used at the Trading Post. The third is Vigil Tokens, which are also earned by playing games but are used to unlock War Chest content. Warden Credits are capped at 10,000, and Vigil Tokens are capped at 3,000, at which point you’ll have to spend some of them before you can earn more. Daily and weekly challenges provide players with Warden Credits and Vigil Tokens in addition to simply playing the game, regardless of whether or not you win.
Overall, I didn’t hate playing the game. It is a first person shooter, which isn’t my cup of tea, and naturally, I struggled as a result. Despite that, it wasn’t a terrible game, but it’s not something I overly enjoyed playing either. I also wasn’t a fan of how voice chat is on by default. It can be turned off in the settings, and it can be turned off once you’re in the lobby with your team. I’m not sure how necessary it is, however, as I feel most people these days just use Discord. Matches took about 20 for 3v3 raids and about 30 minutes for 5v5 raids, which isn’t terrible, but I think a “quick play” mode of sorts would be nice for players that want to just drop in and out without the commitment of playing a full raid but still want some practice against humans. If I had to rate it, I’d probably give it a 6/10. Just slightly above average but honestly nothing to really write home about either. It’s something I might play on occasion if I have friends invested in it that want to play, but it’s not something I really plan on picking up too much of my own accord.
