Fortnite, Apex Legends and Titanfall fans have been closely watching the launch of Highguard, an ambitious new free-to-play shooter from Wildlight Entertainment. While some corners of the internet have already dismissed the game as generic or lifeless, a closer look — especially when you experience the game without listening to online haters — reveals a shooter that blends familiar elements into something worth paying attention to. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Highguard was developed by a team made up largely of former developers from Respawn Entertainment — the studio behind Titanfall and Apex Legends — and launched on January 26, 2026 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It has been marketed as a “raid shooter,” a hybrid genre that mixes objective-based battles with traditional first-person action. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Initial Internet Backlash and Online Perception
Before the game even hit players’ hands, the online reaction was rough. When Highguard’s reveal trailer debuted at The Game Awards 2025 — a coveted showcase spot — a significant portion of viewers quickly criticized its visuals and generic aesthetic. Some comparisons even linked it unfavorably to titles like Concord, a game widely derided before it ever launched. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Much of that early backlash was fueled by unfamiliarity with the actual gameplay. Long periods of developer silence between the reveal and release allowed players to fill the void with speculation, oversimplification, and negative hot takes. This was enough for some to label Highguard “dead on arrival” even before launch. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
But there’s a difference between internet discourse and actual gameplay. Once the servers opened and players began spending time with Highguard, a clearer picture emerged — one that isn’t quite as bleak as the social media narrative. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Gameplay Loop: Raid Shooter With Tactical Depth
At its core, Highguard is a structured, objective-focused shooter that sets itself apart from classic deathmatch formats. Matches start with smaller skirmishes as teams attempt to secure a powerful objective known as the “Shieldbreaker.” Once a team claims that objective, the dynamic shifts and becomes more strategic and siege-oriented. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
This two-phase loop — fast-paced early combat followed by a coordinated assault on the opposing base — creates tension and variety in every game. Unlike typical shooters that rely on shrinking circles or team deathmatch tallies, Highguard emphasizes map control and shared team goals. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Matches are played in small 3v3 teams, which helps keep the pace manageable and allows individual action to matter without overwhelming chaos. Players can respawn, take different roles within their squad, and use mounts to traverse the map quickly. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Visual Style and Art Direction: Mixed Reactions
One of the most frequently discussed aspects of Highguard is its art style. PC Gamer’s hands-on impressions noted that the visuals lean toward an “arcane punk” aesthetic that doesn’t appeal to everyone, especially if you’re expecting the slick polish of another Respawn game. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
However, departure from high-fidelity realistic graphics is not inherently a flaw. Other critics and first-impressions articles point out that the look blends sci-fi, fantasy, and FPS elements in a way that feels intentional, even if unconventional. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
When players finally spend extended time in the game, the mechanics begin to overshadow the visuals. The focus shifts toward gameplay decisions, tactics, and team coordination — things that often matter more for long-term engagement than initial aesthetic judgments. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Performance and Technical Notes
From a technical standpoint, Highguard runs on Unreal Engine 5.3.2 and performs smoothly on capable hardware. Benchmarks show that even mid-range systems can deliver stable framerates, with higher-end setups enjoying even more fluid performance. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Despite that, the game’s requirement for kernel-level anti-cheat systems, such as Easy Anti-Cheat and Secure Boot, has drawn criticism from some corners of the PC community, particularly those using Linux or older hardware. While developers argue this is necessary to curb cheating, it does create a barrier for certain players. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Community Reaction After Release
Once launch day arrived, the Steam user review response has been mixed at best. A wave of negative reviews citing balance issues, bugs, or a lack of content pushed the game toward a rough reception in its first hours. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
That said, early negative feedback should be contextualized. Many Steam reviews come from short play sessions and harsh snap judgments, a common issue for live-service titles that evolve significantly post-launch. Some frustrations — especially with progression or balance — may be resolved over time as developers patch and refine the experience. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Importantly, PC Gamer’s impression highlighted that the game’s mechanics are functional and engaging when you give them time. Matches can feel satisfying once players understand the flow from initial skirmish to siege phase, and the small team format rewards coordination over brute force. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
The Bigger Picture: Timing and Market Fit
Highguard launched into a market saturated with shooters, from long-term live service games like Fortnite and Valorant to newer titles experimenting with genre blends. That crowded landscape makes it harder for any new IP to immediately stand out, and Highguard’s unique mechanics may take time to be recognized on their own terms. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Additionally, the expectations placed on this title — partly because of its veteran-laden development team and prime reveal slot — created a hype bubble that Highguard simply couldn’t escape. But hype and quality are not always perfectly correlated, and separating online noise from core gameplay experiences often reveals more balanced opinions. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Final Verdict: Worth Trying, Not Perfect
Ultimately, Highguard is a shooter that works best when judged on its mechanics rather than internet hype. The siege-oriented gameplay loop, small-team focus, and objective-driven design set it apart from standard FPS formats. For players willing to look past early backlash and focus on match experience, there is thoughtful design and strategic depth to appreciate. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
It isn’t flawless — some balance issues, early technical complaints, and an art style that won’t appeal to everyone are valid criticisms. But dismissing it outright based on online hot takes or first impressions alone misses the parts of Highguard that work well and deserve attention. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
If you enjoy team-based shooters with tactical objectives and don’t mind learning a new twist on PvP combat, Highguard is worth a try — especially because it’s free-to-play and continues to be updated post-launch.
Source: PC Gamer – “Highguard is fine when you don’t have an internet in your ear telling you it’s nasty” (Published January 27, 2026) :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}