Updated for January 2026

Highguard Raid Tools Guide

Master Highguard raid tools to breach enemy defenses and secure victory. This guide covers all 4 raid tools, their costs, best use cases, and pro strategies for every phase of the match.

Patch:v1.0
Updated:January 30, 2026
Source:Community Data
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Raid Tool Basics

In Highguard, every Warden can carry 2 primary weapons plus 1 Raid Tool. Raid tools are specialized equipment designed for breaching enemy bases, gaining mobility advantages, or accelerating resource collection.

4
Raid Tools
30-60
Vesper Cost
1
Tool Slot
3rd
Loadout Slot

Pro Tip: "Tool before gun early" — experienced players prioritize raid tools over weapon upgrades in the early game. A Zipline Gun or Field Axe often provides more strategic value than a slightly better weapon.

All Highguard Raid Tools

Each raid tool serves a distinct purpose. Understanding when to use each one is key to successful raids in Highguard.

Rocket Launcher raid tool in Highguard

Rocket Launcher

Ranged Breach50-60 Vesper

The Rocket Launcher is the primary long-range wall destruction tool in Highguard. Fire explosive projectiles to create breach points from a safe distance, ideal for coordinated team pushes.

Best For: Long-range breaching, creating entry points, team pushes

Strengths

  • +Safe distance breaching
  • +High structure damage
  • +Synergizes with Redmane/Slade pushes

Weaknesses

  • -Slow reload
  • -Limited ammo
  • -Requires good aim

Pro Tips

  • Target reinforced walls first to open key chokepoints
  • Coordinate with teammates — breach and push together
  • Save some ammo for the generator once inside
Blast Hammer raid tool in Highguard

Blast Hammer

Melee Breach40-50 Vesper

The Blast Hammer is a devastating close-range melee breach tool. Swing it to smash through walls and enemies alike. Best for aggressive players who want to be in the thick of the action.

Best For: Aggressive plays, close-quarters breaching, melee combat

Strengths

  • +High damage to structures and enemies
  • +No ammo needed
  • +Fastest wall destruction up close

Weaknesses

  • -Requires close range
  • -Vulnerable during swing animation
  • -Needs team support

Pro Tips

  • Pair with a defensive Warden like Kai for protection
  • Use during coordinated pushes, not solo
  • Can damage multiple enemies in a swing arc
Zipline Gun raid tool in Highguard

Zipline Gun

Mobility40-50 Vesper

The Zipline Gun creates permanent ziplines for rapid team movement and repositioning. Essential for flanking, gaining high ground, and creating escape routes during raids.

Best For: Flanking, vertical mobility, team repositioning, escapes

Strengths

  • +Creates permanent movement options
  • +Enables flanking routes
  • +Helps entire team reposition

Weaknesses

  • -No direct damage
  • -Ziplines can be used by enemies
  • -Requires setup time

Pro Tips

  • Set up ziplines early for escape routes
  • Use to bypass heavily defended chokepoints
  • Create lines to high ground for sniper advantages
Field Axe raid tool in Highguard

Field Axe

Utility / Economy30-40 Vesper

The Field Axe accelerates Vesper harvesting and can break through weak walls. A utility-focused tool that enables early economic snowballing and faster resource collection.

Best For: Resource farming, early game economy, weak wall destruction

Strengths

  • +Faster Vesper collection
  • +Cheap purchase cost
  • +Enables economic advantage

Weaknesses

  • -Limited combat use
  • -Only breaks weak walls
  • -Less impactful late game

Pro Tips

  • Buy early in Gear Up phase for maximum value
  • Focus on high-density Vesper areas
  • Transition to other tools for raid phase

Raid Tool Comparison

ToolTypeCostWall DamageRange
Rocket LauncherBreach50-60HighLong
Blast HammerBreach40-50Very HighMelee
Zipline GunMobility40-50NoneLong
Field AxeUtility30-40LowMelee

Phase-Based Loadout Strategy

Your raid tool choice should evolve with each match phase. Here's the recommended strategy for competitive Highguard play:

Early Game

Economy & Positioning

Focus on Vesper farming and setting up mobility options. 'Tool before gun' — a Field Axe or Zipline often provides more value than an early weapon upgrade.

Recommended:Field AxeZipline Gun

Mid Game

Preparation

Establish flanking routes with ziplines. Save Rocket Launcher ammo for the raid. Scout enemy base defenses and plan breach points.

Recommended:Zipline GunRocket Launcher

Late Game / Raid

Breach & Destroy

Coordinate breach with team. Rocket Launcher opens walls from distance, Blast Hammer finishes the job up close. Focus generator once inside.

Recommended:Rocket LauncherBlast Hammer

Highguard Match Phases

Understanding the 3-Phase System

highguard.app

Phase 1: Raid Phase

5 minutes

Attack enemy bases, destroy structures, and collect loot

Pro Tips

  • Use Rocket Launcher for walls
  • Blast Hammer for quick entry
  • Offensive wardens shine here

Phase 2: Defense Phase

5 minutes

Protect your base and repair damaged structures

Pro Tips

  • Kai can restore walls
  • Una provides area denial
  • Set up defensive positions

Phase 3: Final Showdown

3 minutes

All-out battle for remaining objectives

Pro Tips

  • Coordinate team pushes
  • Use ultimate abilities
  • Control key locations
Total Match Duration: 13 minutes

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Raid Tool + Warden Synergy

Certain Wardens synergize exceptionally well with specific raid tools. Here are the best combinations:

Redmane + Rocket Launcher

Redmane's destruction abilities combined with Rocket Launcher creates devastating breach potential. Use his ultimate to weaken walls, then finish with rockets.

Scarlet + Zipline Gun

Scarlet's stealth abilities pair perfectly with Zipline Gun for flanking. Set up unexpected angles and use stealth to surprise defenders.

Slade + Blast Hammer

Slade's AOE abilities clear defenders while Blast Hammer breaks through walls. A fearsome combination for aggressive pushes.

Mara + Any Breach Tool

Mara's Soul Armor protects breaching teammates. Have her shield the Blast Hammer user or Rocket Launcher carrier during pushes.

Recommended Team Tool Distribution

In a 3v3 Highguard match, coordinate tool selection with your team for maximum effectiveness:

Primary Breacher

Rocket Launcher

Opens walls from distance

Entry Fragger

Blast Hammer

Finishes breach, leads push

Flanker / Support

Zipline Gun

Creates alternate routes

Raid Tools FAQ

Which raid tool is best for beginners?
The Rocket Launcher is the most beginner-friendly raid tool. It allows you to contribute to breaching from a safe distance without needing precise positioning. The Zipline Gun is also good for learning map movement.
Should I buy a raid tool or upgrade weapons first?
Generally, "tool before gun" is the meta advice. A raid tool often provides more strategic value than a weapon upgrade, especially early game. The Field Axe helps you farm more Vesper, while Zipline Gun creates permanent movement advantages.
Can enemies use my ziplines?
Yes, ziplines created by the Zipline Gun can be used by anyone — teammates and enemies alike. Be strategic about placement and consider this when setting up routes near your base.
How much damage does each tool do to walls?
The Blast Hammer does the most damage to walls per hit but requires melee range. The Rocket Launcher does high damage from distance but has limited ammo. The Field Axe only damages weak/ unreinforced walls. The Zipline Gun does no wall damage.

Sources & References

Information compiled from DTGRE, Into Indie Games, Esports.gg, Gaming Bolt, and official Highguard resources.

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