Highguard official key art featuring Atticus, Kai, Redmane and other Wardens in an epic battle
Updated for January 2026 Meta

The Ultimate Highguard Guide & Wiki

Tier lists, warden guides, and winning strategies for the 3v3 PvP Raid Shooter.

Current Meta

Updated Jan 30, 2026

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8
Wardens
5
Weapon Types
4
Match Phases
3v3
Team Size
Atticus - Offensive Warden in Highguard
Scarlet - Stealth Assassin Warden in Highguard
Redmane - Destruction Warden in Highguard
Mara - Support Warden in Highguard
Kai - Defensive Ice Warden in Highguard
Una - Defensive Spirit Warden in Highguard
Slade - Fire Area Damage Warden in Highguard
Condor - Support Warden in Highguard
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Coming February 2026 - Episode 2

Ranked Mode is Coming to Highguard

Competitive ranked play arrives in Episode 2 with 6 rank tiers from Bronze to Champion. Prepare now with our ranked guide covering placement matches, rank rewards, and meta strategies.

Top Tier Wardens

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What is Highguard?

Highguard is a revolutionary free-to-play 3v3 PvP Raid Shooter that combines hero shooter mechanics with base-building strategy. Developed by Wildlight Entertainment — the veteran team behind Apex Legends and Titanfall — Highguard launched on January 26, 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S with full crossplay support. This innovative title brings fresh gameplay to the competitive shooter genre, blending tactical combat with strategic base construction in ways never seen before.

In Highguard, two teams of three Wardens compete in intense attack/defense matches across mystical battlegrounds. Unlike traditional shooters, Highguard's unique match structure progresses through four distinct phases that test different skills. Players must master base fortification, resource management, objective control, and coordinated assault tactics to achieve victory. The game's signature Shieldbreaker mechanic adds a crucial mid-match power spike that can turn the tide of battle.

Core Features of Highguard:

  • 8 Unique Wardens — Master diverse playstyles from stealth assassins to defensive specialists
  • Strategic Base Building — Create layered defenses with destructible walls and chokepoints
  • Dynamic Match Phases — Progress through Defense, Gear Up, Shieldbreaker, and Raid phases
  • 10+ Weapon Types — From the versatile Vanguard AR to the devastating Kraken shotgun
  • Full Crossplay — Play with friends across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox

Why Highguard Stands Out:

  • Tactical Depth — Every match in Highguard requires strategic thinking beyond pure aim
  • Team Synergy — Warden abilities combo together for devastating effectiveness
  • Fair Monetization — Highguard is truly free-to-play with only cosmetic purchases
  • Competitive Scene — Ranked mode and esports support planned for Season 1
  • Regular Updates — New wardens, weapons, and maps coming each season

Gameplay Philosophy:

Highguard revolutionizes the hero shooter genre by making every phase of the match meaningful. Unlike games where only eliminations matter, Highguard rewards smart base construction, efficient resource gathering, and coordinated team plays. The Shieldbreaker phase creates a natural climax mid-match, forcing teams to fight for a game-changing advantage. Whether you prefer the lightning strikes of Atticus, the stealthy ambushes of Scarlet, or the defensive prowess of Kai, Highguard offers a warden and playstyle for every type of player. The game's emphasis on both individual skill and team coordination makes it perfect for competitive players seeking their next main game.

Highguard Match Phases

1

Defense

Build walls and fortify your base

2

Gear Up

Loot weapons, armor, and resources

3

Shieldbreaker

Fight for the powerful sword

4

Raid

Attack and destroy enemy base

Warden Classes in Highguard

Assault

Front-line damage

Atticus, Slade, Scarlet

Destruction

Break structures

Redmane

Defensive

Protect & control

Kai, Una

Support

Shields & utility

Mara

Recon

Scout enemies

Condor

Getting Started with Highguard

Choose Your Warden

Start your Highguard journey by selecting a warden that matches your playstyle. New players should try Atticus for balanced gameplay, Kai for defensive support, or Scarlet for aggressive flanking. Each warden in Highguard brings unique abilities that can change the outcome of battles.

Master the Phases

Understanding Highguard's four-phase structure is crucial for success. Use Defense phase to create smart chokepoints, maximize your Gear Up efficiency, fight strategically for the Shieldbreaker, and coordinate your team during the final Raid assault.

Build Your Arsenal

Highguard allows you to carry two primary weapons plus a raid tool. Popular loadouts include Vanguard + Kraken for versatility, or Big Rig + Ranger for long-range dominance. Experiment to find your perfect Highguard weapon combination.

Competitive Highguard Meta

Current Meta Strategies:

The competitive Highguard scene is rapidly evolving as players discover optimal strategies. Currently, the most successful teams in Highguard run balanced compositions with one assault warden (usually Atticus or Scarlet), one defensive specialist (Kai or Una), and either Redmane for aggressive pushes or Mara for sustained fights. This tri-core approach ensures teams have answers to every phase of Highguard matches.

Base building in Highguard has become an art form, with pro teams developing specific wall patterns that maximize defense while conserving resources. The "honeycomb" pattern is particularly effective, creating multiple layers that force attackers to waste precious raid time. Smart Highguard players also leave intentional weak points to bait enemies into kill zones.

Pro Tips from Top Players:

  • In Highguard, resource management is key — always prioritize shield potions over excess weapons during Gear Up phase
  • The Shieldbreaker in Highguard isn't just for damage — use it to quickly break reinforced walls during raids
  • Coordinate ultimates in Highguard — combining Atticus's Powerstorm with Redmane's Beast Roar creates unstoppable pushes
  • Communication wins Highguard matches — call out enemy positions, cooldowns, and resource locations constantly

Frequently Asked Questions About Highguard

Is Highguard free to play?
Yes! Highguard is completely free-to-play on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game features optional cosmetic purchases but maintains a strict no pay-to-win policy. All wardens and gameplay features in Highguard are available to all players from day one.
What is the best warden in Highguard?
According to our Highguard tier list, Atticus, Scarlet, and Redmane are currently S-tier picks. However, team composition matters more than individual picks in Highguard. Atticus excels with his lightning abilities, Scarlet dominates with stealth flanks, and Redmane breaks through defenses like no other warden. Check our full Highguard tier list for detailed rankings.
Does Highguard have crossplay?
Yes! Highguard supports full crossplay and cross-progression across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. You can play Highguard with friends on any platform, and your progress, unlocks, and cosmetics transfer seamlessly between systems. This makes Highguard one of the most accessible competitive shooters available.
How many wardens are in Highguard?
Highguard launched with 8 unique wardens across 5 distinct classes. The roster includes three Assault wardens (Atticus, Slade, Scarlet), one Destruction specialist (Redmane), two Defensive wardens (Kai, Una), one Support (Mara), and one Recon (Condor). Wildlight Entertainment has confirmed more wardens will be added to Highguard in future seasons.
What makes Highguard different from other hero shooters?
Highguard stands apart with its unique blend of hero shooter combat and strategic base building. Unlike Overwatch or Valorant, Highguard features destructible environments, a four-phase match structure, and the game-changing Shieldbreaker objective. The combination of resource gathering, base fortification, and raid mechanics makes every Highguard match feel like a mini campaign.
When did Highguard release?
Highguard officially launched on January 26, 2026, simultaneously on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game had a successful beta period in late 2025, and the full release of Highguard includes all 8 wardens, multiple maps, and the complete progression system. Season 1 of Highguard is expected to begin in March 2026.

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