Highguard’s launch week has been brutal. The free-to-play PvP raid shooter debuted to ‘Mostly Negative’ Steam reviews and plummeting player counts after peaking at nearly 100,000 concurrents. Now, just four days after launch, developer Wildlight drops a massive patch adding the most requested feature: 5v5 raids alongside the criticized 3v3 mode, plus a brand new Soul Well base and performance optimizations.
The internet had one main complaint about Highguard: its maps feel brutally empty with only six total players fighting across massive fantasy battlegrounds. Players praised the mount system and gunplay but called 3v3 raids ‘lonely’ and resource gathering ‘boring busywork.’ Wildlight heard the feedback loud and clear, launching experimental 5v5 raids that double the chaos without replacing the core experience.
5v5 Raids – The Fix Players Demanded
The new 5v5 mode runs as a separate weekend playlist, letting players test larger battles while preserving 3v3 for purists. Key changes include 10 lives per team (up from 6) and longer respawn timers to accommodate generator bomb plants/defuses. Wildlight warns performance takes a hit with 10 players, but promises 3v3 sees major optimization gains from this patch.
Players can now squad up with four friends in expanded lobbies. The firing range stays 3v3 only for now, but raids get the full 5v5 treatment. This experimental approach lets Wildlight gauge interest before committing to permanent changes – smart move for a live service shooter still finding its footing.
New Soul Well Base Enters Rotation
Soul Well joins Highguard’s map pool as a ‘dark relic from a lost age,’ available in both 3v3 and 5v5. The gothic base promises tighter fights around its central anchor stone, addressing complaints about sprawling, empty maps. Wildlight calls it one of two major launch-week patches showing their ‘ready for live service’ commitment.
| Feature | 3v3 Raids | 5v5 Raids (Limited Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Team Size | 3v3 (6 total) | 5v5 (10 total) |
| Lives | 6 lives per team | 10 lives per team |
| Respawn Timer | Standard | Slightly longer |
| New Bases | Soul Well added | Soul Well added |
| Performance | Major optimizations | May struggle |
Launch Week Rollercoaster
Highguard launched January 26, 2026 to immediate backlash. Steam reviews hit ‘Mostly Negative’ (under 40% positive) as players slammed empty maps, boring resource phases, and performance issues. Concurrent players peaked near 100K then crashed, sparking ‘dead on arrival’ predictions.
Wildlight fought back hard. Patch 1.0.4 yesterday fixed FOV sliders, PS5 crashes, crouch toggles, and hundreds of bugs. Today’s 5v5 patch continues the blitz. English Steam reviews climbed to ‘Mixed’ (41% positive), showing player sentiment shifting as devs deliver.
The Game Awards reveal hurt more than helped. Positioned as the final ‘one more thing,’ Highguard faced unrealistic expectations. CEO admits ‘toxicity is challenging’ and questions if TGA was right call versus shadow drop. Geoff Keighley catching heat too for overhyped slot.
Highguard’s Core Loop Explained
Highguard blends raid shooter with base building. Attackers infiltrate enemy forts, plant bombs on generators, or smash anchor stones. Defenders repel invaders while shields recharge. Mounts let teams traverse huge maps quickly, but resource farming between raids draws ‘tedium’ complaints.
Players love:
– Crisp gunplay and movement
– Summonable fantasy mounts
– Satisfying base destruction
– Free-to-play model
Players hate:
– Empty 3v3 maps
– Boring mining/gathering
– Performance hiccups
– Live service uncertainty
Performance Reality Check
Wildlight transparent about 5v5 costs. Yesterday’s patch optimized animations, projectiles, and draw calls across PC/console. 3v3 benefits most, but 10-player raids strain servers. New settings include motion blur toggle, video presets, and stability fixes.
PS5 Pro players celebrate native support. PC optimization ongoing – expect more patches. Wildlight’s ‘hundreds of bugs squashed’ claim shows launch week scramble, but rapid response builds goodwill.
Can Highguard Survive?
Numbers improving but precarious. ‘Mixed’ reviews better than ‘Mostly Negative,’ but live service shooters live/die by player retention. 5v5 weekend will make/break perception. If players love larger chaos, permanent mode likely. If performance tanks or maps still feel empty, trouble brewing.
Competition brutal. Valorant, Overwatch 2, Apex dominate PvP shooters. Highguard’s fantasy raid twist unique, but needs population. Free-to-play helps, but monetization (rumored battle passes, cosmetics) must feel fair.
Wildlight’s aggression impressive. Most studios take weeks for first patches. Two major updates in four days shows ‘ready for live service’ promise. CEO’s TGA honesty builds trust. If 5v5 lands and resource phase gets fixed, Highguard could carve niche.
FAQs
Is 5v5 replacing 3v3 in Highguard?
No. 5v5 runs as experimental weekend playlist only. 3v3 remains core mode with optimizations. Wildlight testing larger battles before permanent commitment.
When does 5v5 mode end?
Available through weekend (likely Sunday night). Could return based on feedback. Separate queue preserves 3v3 choice.
Does 5v5 have better performance?
No – Wildlight warns 10 players hurt frame rates. 3v3 gets major optimizations instead. Patch improves animations, projectiles, draw calls across modes.
What is Soul Well base?
New gothic map added to 3v3/5v5 rotation. ‘Dark relic from lost age’ promises tighter fights around anchor stone. Addresses empty map complaints.
Why did Highguard launch poorly?
The Game Awards final slot created hype backlash. 3v3 felt empty on huge maps. Resource farming called boring. Performance issues hurt first impressions.
Is Highguard free-to-play?
Yes – available on Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S. Live service model with expected battle pass/cosmetics. No pay-to-win confirmed.
Will Highguard get more player counts?
5v5 weekend crucial test. Peaked 100K concurrents, now lower. Needs positive Steam reviews and content pipeline to rebuild population.
PS5 Pro support?
Native PS5 Pro enhancements confirmed. Latest patch fixes console crashes, adds FOV sliders, motion blur toggle.
Conclusion
Highguard fights for survival with launch-week heroics. 5v5 raids directly address empty map complaints while Soul Well tightens gameplay. Wildlight’s patch cadence – two major updates in four days – shows live service chops. Steam reviews climbing from ‘Mostly Negative’ to ‘Mixed’ proves players reward responsiveness.
The Game Awards curse lingers, but rapid iteration could turn ship around. This weekend decides if 5v5 chaos wins hearts or exposes deeper problems. Highguard walked into brutal arena – now proves it belongs through sweat and code. Wardens vs Invaders rages on, with much higher stakes than any raid match.