Highguard developer Wildlight has introduced a 5v5 restricted time recreation mode obtainable to all gamers beginning at this time. It’s going to run by way of the weekend.
The free-to-play PvP raid shooter launched this week and instantly met with a “largely destructive” person overview ranking on Steam, though that has improved in latest days to ‘combined.’ In the meantime, Steam concurrents have fallen after a peak of practically 100,000, sparking questions on Highguard’s future.
Chief among the many criticisms from gamers is that the scale of the map feels too massive and empty for a 3v3 aggressive shooter. You’re in a position to summon a mount to get about sooner (the mounts are one facet 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 this moment’s replace additionally introduces a model new base referred to as Soul Properly. try the patch notes under.
“Wardens can now experiment with this darkish relic from a misplaced age, added to rotation in each 3v3 and 5v5,” Wildlight mentioned. “As one in all two main patches launched throughout launch week, this replace is emblematic of the Highguard workforce’s dedication to making a ‘prepared for reside service’ recreation, leading to fast motion. Simply this week, the workforce has squashed a whole bunch of bugs, improved efficiency throughout the board: yesterday’s replace, Patch 1.0.4 launched a wide range of bug fixes, new video settings, and highly-requested options.”
Whereas the addition of 5v5 ought to go some technique to countering that feeling of vacancy in Highguard, it doesn’t tackle complaints concerning the resource-gathering section of every map, which includes what some are calling boring mining and loot farming. Via all of it is a sense that Highguard maybe suffered from being the “yet one more factor” reveal at The Sport Awards, the place it may need higher managed expectations in a slot earlier within the present. Wildlight employees have indicated they initially deliberate a real Apex Legends-style shadowdrop for Highguard, however The Sport Awards chief Geoff Keighley requested the workforce 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 Sport Awards’ operating 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 shall be hoping 5v5 provides 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 recreation.
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 switch 3’s.
3v3 Raids are nonetheless there for individuals who get pleasure from it!
The foyer has been up to date to permit for events of 5 whereas the mode is reside. Seize 4 mates and leap into some hectic raids!
Just a few small tweaks for this mode:
- Raids at the moment are 10 lives as an alternative of 6
- Respawns are barely longer throughout raids to permit turbines to be planted/defused
Dev word: As most of you understand, 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 will not be going to enhance efficiency, proper? Please maintain that in thoughts as you strive 5v5!
Dev word 2: Firing Vary doesn’t assist 5v5 presently, so the Play button shall be grayed out in case your occasion is over 3.
New Base – Soul Properly
Soul Properly is a darkish relic from a misplaced age. The Iron Vigil has now ready this base assemble to be used within the discipline the place the lifeless nonetheless converse.
This new base shall be added to the rotation in all modes.
Optimizations
This patch accommodates a number of optimizations that contact on animation efficiency, projectiles, draw submission occasions, and different gameplay methods. These optimizations profit console and PC, however each PC is totally different, so the precise speedup to total framerate relies on GPU, CPU, and different components.
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’ll be able to attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
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