If you’re after something a little different from the usual PvP shooter formula, Highguard might be worth saddling up for.
Available right now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, this new free-to-play PvP raid shooter blends mounted combat, destructible bases, and escalating sieges into a format that feels genuinely fresh.
Best of all? There’s no barrier to entry. Highguard is free to download and free to play, with full cross-play support across all platforms.
A PvP Shooter Built Around Raids, Not Rounds
At its heart, Highguard is about momentum. Each match sees two teams of three Wardens dropped into a vast mythical landscape, each calling in and fortifying their own stronghold before riding out into the world.
From there, the loop escalates fast. Loot is gathered, resources are harvested, weapons are upgraded, and clashes with the rival team become inevitable. Unlike traditional shooters, there’s no clean reset between skirmishes – power builds, pressure mounts, and every decision feeds into what comes next.
Wardens, Mounts And Arcane Firepower
Players choose from a growing roster of Wardens – arcane gunslingers who blend traditional gunplay with magical abilities pulled from a fading age of magic. Each Warden is designed around specific roles, whether that’s base defence, open-field combat, infiltration, or full-scale raiding.
Abilities aren’t just flashy extras either. They’re woven directly into Highguard’s systems, influencing how you fight, how you raid, and how you survive when the pressure ramps up.
Movement is just as important as shooting. Mounts allow teams to cross massive maps quickly, fight while on the move, and transport critical objectives. Saddles, armour, and magical trinkets can all be upgraded, giving your ride just as much personality – and usefulness – as your weapons.
The Shieldbreaker Changes Everything
Every so often, magical storms tear across the continent. At their heart forms the Shieldbreaker, a legendary blade capable of breaching enemy base shields.
Once it appears, priorities shift instantly. Teams race to claim it, fight to keep hold of it, and then attempt the dangerous journey to the enemy base. Lose the carrier, and the tide can turn in seconds, with the Shieldbreaker falling straight into enemy hands.
Delivering the Shieldbreaker to an enemy base allows attackers to weaken its shields and summon a Siege Tower. Once those shields fall, the real raid begins.
Attackers must push inside, planting bombs on generators or going all-in on the anchor stone to bring the base down in one decisive strike. Defenders, meanwhile, scramble to repel attackers long enough for shields to repair and the siege to collapse.
One Base Left Standing
Victory rarely comes from a single raid. More often, bases repair, loot improves across the map, and a new Shieldbreaker forms elsewhere. Each cycle ramps up tension, power, and chaos – until only one base remains standing and control of the territory is decided.
Highguard isn’t just launching and hoping for the best. Wildlight Entertainment has committed to a live-service structure built around Episodes, with new core content arriving monthly throughout 2026. And with the team consisting of veterans from the likes of Titanfall, Apex Legends and more, it feels like they probably know what they’re talking about.
Crucially, all gameplay content – including maps, Wardens, bases, and modes – will always be free. Monetisation comes via optional cosmetic purchases, including Highguard Gold packs, with no gameplay advantages, no loot boxes, and no RNG systems. You’ll find plenty of those packs on the Xbox Store, running from £7.49 for 900 Highguard Gold, right up to 11800 Gold for £83.49.
All players also receive the Episode One War Chest free forever, packed with cosmetics, legendary skins, and emotes right from the off.
“Launch is a huge moment. But our team builds franchises that stand the test of time, and we’re in this for the long haul,” said Dusty Welch, Co-Founder and CEO of Wildlight. “Success for us is a healthy, growing global community that’s enjoying the game—and a team that’s energized by engaging with players and surprising them with new experiences over time.”
Key Features At A Glance
- Free-to-play PvP raid shooter with full cross-play
- 3v3 team-based matches with escalating power and pressure
- Destructible bases, siege towers, and large open maps
- Mounted combat blended with tight, gun-focused shooting
- Arcane abilities that enhance raiding, defence, and infiltration
- Ongoing Episodes delivering free new content every month
A Confident Start For A New PvP Universe
Highguard doesn’t feel like it’s chasing trends. Instead, it leans into escalation, territory control, and long-form matches that reward coordination and smart decision-making. With a veteran team behind it and a genuinely accessible free-to-play model, it’s a launch that feels confident rather than cautious.
If you’ve been waiting for a shooter that dares to do things a bit differently, this one might be worth riding into.
The Xbox Store will sort you out with a download. You’ll find it on PC and PlayStation too.
