Highguard developer Wildlight has introduced a 5v5 restricted time sport mode out there to all gamers beginning at this time. It can run via the weekend.
The free-to-play PvP raid shooter launched this week and instantly met with a “largely unfavorable” consumer evaluation ranking on Steam, though that has improved in latest days to ‘blended.’ In the meantime, Steam concurrents have fallen after a peak of almost 100,000, sparking questions on Highguard’s future.
Chief among the many criticisms from gamers is that the scale of the map feels too large and empty for a 3v3 aggressive shooter. You’re ready to summon a mount to get about quicker (the mounts are one side of Highguard that gamers appear to universally like), however some thought a 4v4, 5v5, and even 3v3v3 mode would have been a greater match.
Now, simply 4 days after launch, Highguard has a 5v5 mode, albiet for only a few days. Right now’s replace additionally introduces a model new base referred to as Soul Nicely. take a look at the patch notes beneath.
“Wardens can now experiment with this darkish relic from a misplaced age, added to rotation in each 3v3 and 5v5,” Wildlight stated. “As one in every of two main patches launched throughout launch week, this replace is emblematic of the Highguard group’s dedication to making a ‘prepared for stay service’ sport, leading to fast motion. Just this week, the group has squashed a whole bunch of bugs, improved efficiency throughout the board: yesterday’s replace, Patch 1.0.4 launched quite a lot of bug fixes, new video settings, and highly-requested options.”
Whereas the addition of 5v5 ought to go a way to countering that feeling of vacancy in Highguard, it doesn’t tackle complaints in regards to the resource-gathering part of every map, which entails what some are calling boring mining and loot farming. By way of all of it is a sense that Highguard maybe suffered from being the “another factor” reveal at The Game Awards, the place it may need higher managed expectations in a slot earlier within the present. Wildlight workers have indicated they initially deliberate a real Apex Legends-style shadowdrop for Highguard, however The Game Awards chief Geoff Keighley requested the group about that includes it on the finish of the present. Keighley has suffered a backlash of his personal, with some feeling Highguard’ place in The Game Awards’ working order overly hyped the sport.
You requested, we listened
All-new 5v5 restricted time mode, playable now! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/wBaFZUOCeZ
— Highguard | LIVE NOW! (@PlayHighguard) January 30, 2026
It’s an enormous weekend for the sport, with Steam concurrents hovering across the 9,000 mark on the time of this text’s publication. Wildlight might be hoping 5v5 offers Highguard the jolt within the arm it clearly wants.
Highguard replace January 30, 2026 patch notes:
For our first weekend, we’re excited to drop an experimental 5v5 Raid playlist, a brand new Base and a bunch of efficiency enhancements for 3v3, together with some extra choices within the Settings menus for individuals to customise their sport.
5v5 Raid Mode – Experimental Playlist
We heard the suggestions!
For the weekend, we’re experimenting with a 5v5 Raid Mode.
This can be a separate playlist and never meant to change 3’s.
3v3 Raids are nonetheless there for individuals who get pleasure from it!
The foyer has been up to date to enable for events of 5 whereas the mode is stay. Seize 4 buddies and bounce into some hectic raids!
A number of small tweaks for this mode:
- Raids are actually 10 lives as a substitute of 6
- Respawns are barely longer throughout raids to enable turbines to be planted/defused
Dev notice: As most of , we’re engaged on optimizations throughout the sport. Many are on this patch and 3v3 ought to see good enhancements! However… including 4 extra gamers to the sport isn’t going to enhance efficiency, proper? Please hold that in thoughts as you strive 5v5!
Dev notice 2: Firing Vary doesn’t assist 5v5 right now, so the Play button might be grayed out in case your celebration is over 3.
New Base – Soul Nicely
Soul Nicely is a darkish relic from a misplaced age. The Iron Vigil has now ready this base assemble to be used within the area the place the useless nonetheless converse.
This new base might be added to the rotation in all modes.
Optimizations
This patch incorporates a number of optimizations that contact on animation efficiency, projectiles, draw submission instances, and different gameplay methods. These optimizations profit console and PC, however each PC is totally different, so the precise speedup to general framerate relies on GPU, CPU, and different elements.
High quality of Life
Enabled these visible settings on PC and consoles
- Movement blur toggle for PC and consoles
- Anisotropic supplies toggle for consoles (PC has this already)
Wesley is Director, Information at IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You may attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.