Highguard Release Guide: Platforms, ReleaseTiming, Gameplay, and What to Expect at Launch
- Sagar Mankar
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Highguard, the upcoming free-to-play PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, is officially set to launch on January 26, 2026, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The debut title from Wildlight Entertainment, a studio formed by former Respawn Entertainment developers behind Titanfall and Apex Legends, has generated both excitement and skepticism since its reveal.
Players will step into the role of Wardens, arcane gunslingers with magical abilities, competing in team-based matches on a mythical continent. The game’s unique blend of fast-paced FPS combat, hero-shooter elements, and raid mechanics sets it apart from the crowded multiplayer shooter market.
Gameplay
Highguard introduces a two-phase match structure.
Phase One: Teams clash to seize control of a powerful artifact known as the Shieldbreaker.
Phase Two: Once a team secures the Shieldbreaker, the match shifts into a raid phase where the holding crew must siege and destroy the enemy base to claim territory.
Alongside gunplay, players can expect magical abilities, mounts for traversal, and destructible environments.
Release Details
The game will launch simultaneously worldwide, with regional release times as follows:
New York, USA (EST): January 26, 1:00 PM
Los Angeles, USA (PST): January 26, 10:00 AM
London, UK (GMT): January 26, 6:00 PM
Central Europe (CET): January 26, 7:00 PM
India (IST): January 27, 11:30 PM
Tokyo, Japan (JST): January 27, 3:00 AM
Sydney, Australia (AEDT): January 27, 5:00 AM
Wildlight has confirmed full cross-play and cross-platform support.
Development Background
Wildlight Entertainment was founded in 2021 by veterans of Respawn Entertainment, many of whom contributed to Apex Legends and Titanfall. The studio has been quietly working on Highguard for four years, keeping details under wraps until its reveal at The Game Awards 2025.
The reveal itself was controversial. Positioned as the closing announcement of the show, Highguard’s trailer was met with mixed reactions. Some fans felt the game did not deserve the coveted final reveal slot, leading to skepticism about its potential. The lack of follow-up marketing after the reveal only fueled speculation, with some questioning whether the project was troubled or even viable.
After weeks of silence, Wildlight announced a launch showcase stream scheduled for January 26 at 10 AM PT, coinciding with the game’s release day. The showcase promises a full gameplay deep dive, year-one plans, and developer insights.
This strategy mirrors the surprise launch of Apex Legends in 2019, which relied heavily on streamer involvement and word-of-mouth rather than traditional pre-release marketing.
Community Reactions and Comparisons
Highguard has sparked a wide range of comparisons across gaming communities:
Positive Comparisons: Apex Legends and Titanfall are frequently mentioned due to shared DNA in fluid movement, precise gunplay, and team-based chaos. Fans hope Highguard captures Titanfall’s mobility and Apex’s hero abilities, but with a raid-focused twist.
Deadlock (Valve’s MOBA-FPS hybrid): Some players see similarities in the low-key marketing approach, though Deadlock’s closed beta rollout differs from Highguard’s full launch.
Skeptical Comparisons: Sony’s Concord is often brought up in memes, with critics suggesting Highguard could suffer a similar fate. For context, Concord was shut down just a week after launch, and Firewalk Studios, the team behind it, closed soon after. However, being free-to-play gives Highguard a lower barrier to entry.
Marathon (Bungie’s upcoming extraction shooter): A few speculate that Highguard may perform better initially due to its free-to-play model. Marathon is set to release on March 5, 2026, at a $40 base price.
Generic Hero Shooters (Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, etc.): Broader complaints call it "another live-service PvP hero shooter" in a saturated market, with magic/guns evoking Overwatch or Paladins, but the raid/base-siege twist sets it apart. Some optimists think it could compete with Marvel Rivals if the chaos clicks.
Despite the crowded market, Highguard’s unique raid mechanic could be its defining feature. Traditional hero shooters often rely on repetitive team fights, but Highguard’s Shieldbreaker-to-raid transition introduces a dynamic shift mid-match. This design encourages both aggressive combat and tactical base defense, offering variety within a single game mode.
Additionally, the combination of futuristic weapons, magical powers, and medieval-style mounts creates a hybrid aesthetic that blends genres. If executed well, this could appeal to players looking for something beyond standard military shooters or fantasy RPGs.
For fans of competitive FPS games with a fantasy twist, Highguard is worth keeping an eye on. It’s free-to-play, cross-platform, and launching in just a couple of days. Whether it becomes the next big hit or fades into obscurity will depend entirely on how it plays when servers go live on January 26.