To say Highguard has had a rocky begin can be placing it calmly, however studio Wildlight Leisure shouldn’t be giving up on its embattled multiplayer shooter so simply. The primary of Highguard’s main deliberate updates drops on February 2, lower than two weeks after the sport launched, bringing with it a brand new map, new playable Warden, a ranked mode, and many extra.
The Season 2 replace was revealed at launch as a part of Highguard’s bold 2026 roadmap, and Wildlight has it able to go proper initially of its promised replace window. The largest new addition on this replace is new Warden Ekon, who joins the eight Wardens already on Highguard’s roster. As an alternative of using a mount into battle, Ekon is a shapeshifter who turns into a strong direwolf, boasting increased pace than any of the sport’s mounts to be able to run down mounted enemies.
If you wish to get wolfy with out Ekon, Highguard has additionally added a brand-new wolf mount accessible free of charge to all gamers.
The brand new replace additionally introduces a model new map known as Skydrift, a location that includes historic stone ruins, enormous chain bridges, and a fort floating above the clouds. The map will probably be added to the rotation for each 3v3 and the extra just lately added 5v5.
Highguard can be getting a ranked mode for the primary time–and not like the brand new map, ranked play will solely be accessible for 3v3 matches for now. “We imagine 3v3 is the extra tactical construction of the sport and suits greatest for comp,” Wildlight explains however provides that the studio will probably be monitoring suggestions, that means it is attainable that ranked might shift to 5v5 play in future.
The replace features a handful of different new additions, in addition to quality-of-life modifications, and bug fixes. Since its launch on January 26, Highguard has already seen quite a few speedy updates focusing on participant suggestions, together with quality-of-life updates and the much-requested 5v5 recreation mode. Wildlight has stated it has plans for frequent content material updates, with Apex Legends veterans on the group having discovered their lesson from that launch.
Whereas Highguard’s Steam player numbers noticed a small spike when 5v5 was launched, participant numbers have continued to dwindle since then. Wildlight is however optimistic in regards to the outlook of its new recreation, with its devs expressing confidence within the recreation’s longevity. Wildlight’s studio head has additionally stated it would not matter how many individuals play the sport, so long as the folks enjoying it are having a great time.
For what it is value, Highguard appears to have discovered a minimum of a small base of gamers who’re having fun with the sport’s distinctive tackle the multiplayer raid shooter, with each social media replies and Steam critiques exhibiting extra optimism about Highguard’s potential.
Take a look at the total patch notes from the Episode 2 replace beneath:
Highguard Episode 2 Patch Notes
A NEW WARDEN ARRIVES—EKON
- Dread (Passive)
- Reveal the heartbeat of wounded enemies. As soon as an enemy Warden is low well being, they’re highlighted in pulsing beats till they’re useless, or their well being regenerates.
- Wolf Spirit (Tactical)
- Unleash a spirit wolf to hunt the closest enemy and apply Dread. This Wolf Spirit travels lengthy distances, transferring straight via rocks and constructions to search out its prey. If seen in time, it may be shot down. This means could be solid in human kind, or in Wolf kind.
- Fearsome Howl (Final)
- Apply Dread to all enemies throughout the map and improve your motion pace. This means could be solid in human kind, or in Wolf kind.
- Wolf Kind
- Ekon doesn’t journey an animal into battle, he turns into one—remodeling into a strong direwolf that tracks, hunts, and runs down mounted enemies. Whereas on this kind, Ekon’s pace is unmatched by different mounts. By means of a full third-person viewpoint, the direwolf can see round cowl. When transferring in for an assault, weapons are laid down in favor of Ekon’s lethal chew assault, which can sprint ahead and chew a prey earlier than instantly remodeling again to human kind to complete off the job. Attacking with out a goal will permit Ekon to carry out a small air sprint to traverse maps extra athletically. As well as, whereas in Wolf Kind, Ekon can monitor an enemy’s scent that they go away of their path. Ekon can use all of his different powers whereas in Wolf Kind.
SKYDRIFT
Skydrift is added to the map rotation in 3v3 and 5v5.
RANKED MODE
Achieve Ranked Factors (RP), earn level modifiers and climb the ranks to assert your rewards. Go from Bronze (Hare) to Grandmaster (Leviathan) in case you’ve obtained what it takes!Go to the Headwall menu in recreation to see extra info.
Ranked Construction
- The format for Ranked is 3v3
- We imagine 3v3 is the extra tactical construction of the sport and suits greatest for comp. We’ll monitor suggestions as we get it.
- Every episode could have 2 Ranked Splits. Splits will change the map and base checklist, and introduce some steadiness modifications.
- All gamers begin Ranked for the primary time in Bronze 3.
- Every Rank has 3 Divisions.
- There are 7 Ranks
- Bronze (Hare)
- Silver (Goat)
- Gold (Ape)
- Platinum (Dire Wolf)
- Diamond (Gryphon)
- Grasp (Manticore)
- Grandmaster (Leviathan)
- On the finish of every Episode, you’ll be rewarded based mostly on the Rank you achieved on the finish of the Episode.
- De-Rating: You’ll be able to solely de-rank inside a Division throughout a Cut up. For instance, by shedding matches you possibly can de-rank from Gold 2 into Gold 3, however you can’t de-rank from Gold 3 into Silver 1.
- Initially of each Cut up, you’ll not de-rank in any respect. Initially of each Episode, you’ll transfer backwards 6 Divisions (2 full Ranks)
Equity
- Play with teammates as much as 2 tiers distinction
- A two individual get together have to be inside +/- 1 tier of one another
- A full get together of three can combine any ranks and be capable to play. You’ll queue into the Rank of the highest Ranked participant.
- Solo Bonus: In case you’re enjoying with out a get together, you’ll earn the Solo modifier (particulars beneath). You’ll acquire extra factors and lose much less per match.
- Loss Safety: You accrue loss safety for enjoying matches all through. It is going to get mechanically spent to cease you from shedding RP.
- Early Leaver Penalty is extra extreme in Ranked. Leaving early counts as 2 strikes and resets your Loss Safety.
Scoring System
We expect in case you win huge, it is best to rating huge. Victory has 3 variations, earlier than the modifiers are utilized.
- Overwhelming Victory: 25 RP
- That is profitable with 100% base well being remaining
- Victory: 20 RP
- That is normal victory the place every group was extra evenly matched
- Shut Victory: 15 RP
- That is profitable the place your base had 35% base well being or much less remaining
For defeat:
- Defeat: -25 RP
- In case you misplaced with out doing harm to the enemy group.
- Sturdy Protection: -20 RP
- In case you misplaced, however had carried out some harm to the enemy group.
- Shut Defeat: -15 RP
- In case you misplaced, however had carried out a minimum of 65% harm to the enemy group.
Different modifiers:
- Profitable Streak Bonus: provides 3 RP for every win in a row, as much as 6 further factors per recreation.
- Kill Bonus: Earn further RP for kills, as much as a cap of 5 factors per recreation.
- Solo Bonus: At all times earn an additional 4 factors if queuing up solo.
Imbalance Safety
- If a recreation is deemed imbalance by participant ranks:
- The favored group could have much less factors to win and extra factors to lose
- The weaker group could have elevated factors to win, and fewer factors to lose
Necessities
- In an effort to unlock Ranked Mode, you should Win 10 matches of 3v3 Raid Mode.
- That is retroactive. In case you’ve already gained 10 matches in Episode 1, Ranked Mode will probably be unlocked instantly.
Maps
- The Ranked Mode playlist could have a subset of maps and bases per Cut up.
- We’ll change the checklist each break up to maintain the rotation fascinating, however permit time to construct constant methods.
- The primary Cut up could have maps Kingdom, Summit and Rivermark, and bases Hellmouth, Smuggler’s Den, King’s Lair, Soul Properly, Frosthold and Wellspring.
- As extra bases get added to the sport, we predict having a complete of 6 bases in Ranked permits gamers to grasp sure bases and construct aggressive methods over a Cut up, however nonetheless must grasp greater than 1 base as a result of your first choose gained’t at all times be accessible.
Rewards
- Episodic Reward: Ranked gamers will earn a model new beauty merchandise known as Banner Frames.
- You may be awarded the Body that matches the Rank you achieved within the Episode.
- Frames develop in status at increased Ranks!
- Each Episode will earn a brand new themed Banner Body. This Episode’s theme is Ekon and the Wolf and will probably be awarded initially of Episode 3.
WOLF MOUNT
Loyal pack hunter of the wild.The brand new wolf mount is free to all gamers.
- Strive Ranked Problem: Play 10 matches of Ranked to earn the Shadow Wolf pores and skin.
GEAR UP PHASE UPDATES
One constant level of suggestions we’ve heard is that the Gear Section wants enhancements. We’re tackling that in 4 methods for the launch of Episode 2, and we’ll proceed to work on that part sooner or later.
- Higher POI Loot
- Crimson Weapon Chests in POIs now comprise Masterwork weapons.Masterwork weapons have improved stats inside their rarity. Blue Masterworks are higher than Blues, however nonetheless much less high quality than Purple. Gamers can nonetheless loot upgraded weapons outdoors of POIs, however the Masterwork variations of weapons every spherical are solely present in POIs.
- Final Chargers
- This stuff are present in white barrels in POIs, however we’ve seen that gamers are having a tough time figuring out that. In an effort to make that clear, white barrels that comprise Final Chargers now have an apparent gold glow.
- Waypoint Markers
- Whenever you go away your base within the gear part, waypoint icons will information gamers in direction of the Factors of Curiosity. They’re additionally pingable so gamers can talk intent with out voice comms.The map can even talk that POIs comprise Masterwork Weapons and Final Chargers.
- Pace Gates
- Pace Gates are at all times on when a participant is close to them, as an alternative of solely when a Shieldbreaker is current.This could permit gamers to get again to fights after respawning,
QUALITY OF LIFE & NEW FEATURES
Stats 1.0
Gamers need stats! For Episode 2 now we have added a Stats menu to Headwall. The stats tracked listed here are largely retroactive from Episode 1. Raid Assault and Protection success stats are new for Episode 2, as we’re simply now beginning to monitor these stats. We’ll proceed to develop this characteristic in future episodes.
New Orange Weapon Mods:
We’ll proceed to combine up orange weapon mods. For Episode 2, we’re including selection and never eradicating something.
- Saber Rifle – Impression Rounds
- Elevated vital harm (headshots) with a slower fee of fireside. Fires a two shot burst as an alternative of three. Quicker projectile pace.
- Vanguard – Drum Journal
- A lot bigger journal, with a slower reload.
- Corsair – Doubleshot
- Hearth a 12 spherical burst on every set off pull
Technical Updates
- From the final patch, efficiency optimizations had been utilized to participant replication, motion netcode, and siege tower rendering.
- Customers can now allow NVIDIA Reflex on supported techniques.
- A number of optimizations had been added to cut back bandwidth utilization.
Gameplay Updates:
- The Defensive Section initially of the sport has been diminished to 30 seconds from 60.
- Anchor Stones fuse timers have been elevated to 80 seconds from 60.
- Dev observe: The purpose right here is to make Anchor Stones a bit more durable to win on
- We’ve added your Kills and Assists to the HUD above the minimap.
- Many zipline usability enhancements, together with smoother attaching and using, and making it more durable to unintentionally connect
- Gamers can now have a most of 4 ziplines. When casting the fifth, their first one will mechanically destroy
- Enhancements to mantle really feel
- You may be prompted to drop the BigRig when it will get to low or zero ammo
- Upon being revived, you now get a touch to faucet the emote button to say “Thank You”. As a byproduct your character will not mechanically say thanks.
- Pinged orange weapons will now present the perk once you hover on them
- Now you can ping ziplines
- Now you can ping Mara darkspawn when it’s highlighted via partitions (on the finish of a raid)
- Now you can ping Kai’s ice wall
- Pinging a Shieldbreaker or Domesplitter plant level now has extra particular ping VO based mostly on the situation.
- The top recreation podium will now spotlight individuals who had the very best stats on their group
- Smugglers Den minimap has been up to date to be extra correct
- Adjusted the ultimate Shieldbreaker plant animation to take precisely so long as a standard one
- The Dealer menu will darken and replace if his inventory modifications whilst you have the menu open
- Dev observe: That is to cut back unintentionally buying one thing proper because the inventory is upgrading.
- Lifeless gamers not present up on the minimap
- Dev observe: This appeared complicated and redundant with with the ability to see a participant’s orb via partitions.
- Adjusted Mara’s Soul Armor energy description to incorporate that it additionally works on enemy gamers (so watch out the place you throw it)
- Added key bindings on PC for Map Display, Character Data and Loadout
- AFK timer in a match has been diminished from 5 minutes to 4
- Firing Vary targets have been changed with new variations that keep open so you possibly can take a look at sustained fireplace
- Firing Vary can now accommodate events of as much as 5 gamers
Foyer/Menu Updates:
- Added an choice to go away the get together by clicking on get together member’s social card
- You now get a message confirming that you just despatched a Buddy Request
- Slider bars within the settings menu can now be adjusted by typing in numbers
- Altering your controller profile will now spotlight what buttons are altering
- Now you can unblock gamers in your Social tab
Weapon Updates:Vanguard
- Barely slowing fee of fireside and elevating harm. TTK is sort of equal. This simply reduces the variety of bullets required to kill
- Elevated headshot multiplier
Longhorn
- Repeater – Much less vertical kick, sooner increase time, sooner dash increase time, much less unfold (hipfire), slower unfold bloom (hipfire)
Viper – Impression Rounds
- Smaller magazine measurement
- More kick
Merchandise Updates:
- Amulet: Bomb Package
- Bomb plant time nerfed (2.5s -> 3s). Defuse time continues to be 2.5s.
- Amulet: Harvester not drops bonus Final Chargers from White Provide Barrels.
- Barely lowered the highest pace of orange Saddles.
Character Updates:Slade
- Mounted a bug the place the impression harm from his Final was not dealing harm on uneven terrain.
- Including pal/foe identification to Slade’s VFXs. Enemy fireplace will now tackle a darker crimson look.
Redmane
- Redmane can now break flooring he’s standing on along with his tactical
- Redmane’s tactical now hits gamers extra reliably.
- Leaping into strong geo with Redmane will drop him to the bottom sooner, as an alternative of bouncing off and floating down.
Mara
- Mara will now dismount mechanically when casting Immortal Coil whereas mounted, as an alternative of getting an error message.
Una
- Improved Una minion goal acquisition pace (they need to shoot at gamers sooner)
- Mounted Una minions having bigger hitboxes than supposed.
Atticus
- Adjusted Atticus’s Final audio to not be occluded by geo. This implies you possibly can hear him higher in his lively Final state even when he’s in one other room.
Quest:
The Quest is designed to be a set of adverse challenges to finish over the course of an Episode for some free rewards and bragging rights. As a result of Episode 1 was solely 2 weeks lengthy, we determined to maintain the Episode 1 Quest lively via Episode 2. We’ll be again in Episode 3 with extra challenges and extra rewards.
Bug Fixes:
- Mounted a bug the place characters with motion pace bonuses might double-dip on slide boosts
- Mounted cases the place you’d generally get got rid of the zipline when respawning
- Mounted some points the place the Play button can be unresponsive
- Mounted a problem the place loot in chests would present highlights for various rarities
- Mounted a bug the place the Care Bundle was dropping too low of degree loot within the third gear up part and past.
- Mounted a problem the place Emote anti-peek wasn’t hiding enemy mounts
- Mounted a problem the place you would respawn along with your preliminary loadout when dying to environmental hazards like lava
- Mounted collision points on Dustline
- Mounted a number of methods to interrupt Coaching by leaping and climbing over partitions
- Mounted some incorrect key bindings within the UI
- Improved the reliability of voice chat icons
- Mounted a problem the place the Shieldbreaker would generally drop in inaccessible locations in case you tried to enter your personal base
- Eliminated the power to drop the Shieldbreaker on high of the enemy dome (how cheeky)
- Mounted uncommon instances the place “Place Revealed” would keep in your display lengthy after a raid was over
- Mounted a problem the place urgent Esc to go away the Social menu would cancel matchmaking
- Mounted a problem the place Slade’s arms wouldn’t reset after shedding his Sizzling Streak
- Mounted means to restore giant gates in bases
- Mounted Condor working in place when she makes use of her Final Energy whereas working
- Decreased the quantity of display the Longhorn Repeater covers whereas leaping and firing
- Mounted some invisible collision blocking bullets above banners on Wellspring base
- Mounted some instances of your participant having a 3rd arm
- Multi-Lock Rocket Launcher will not goal bushes
- Mounted mounts not enjoying correct water audio and fx when working via it
- Mounted means for gamers to ping when using a zipline
- Eliminated the power to put Mara’s Immortal Coil on open doorways
- Mounted the zipline gun colliding with air in some areas of Summit
- Mounted Blast Hammers from doing splash harm behind you when used
- Gamers are not detected by Condor’s tactical when standing nonetheless on their mount
- Mounted Una summoning a Tree Walker in mid air by using a zipline
- Mounted some places in Wellspring base the place you’d get kicked off your mount
- Mounted a problem the place you’d hit your self with a rocket if fired whereas working full pace on a mount
- Improved recreation efficiency when mounting or dismounting
- Improved some translations for various languages, each in textual content and VO
- Added localized translations for various languages within the Superior Coaching video
- Mounted the Crossplay setting not saving when modified to off on consoles
- Mounted uncommon instances the place your controls can be unresponsive after utilizing a mount emote
- Mounted a bug that will trigger ambient audio to drop out
- Mounted a bug the place mouse and controller sensitivity settings weren’t being utilized appropriately whereas transitioning between hipfire and ADS
- Resolved a bug the place DLSS presets didn’t instantly seem or disappear within the Settings menu after modifying the antialiasing mode.