A new contender just emerged in the crowded hero shooter space. Highguard, the upcoming free-to-play PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment – founded by 61 veterans from Respawn’s Apex Legends and Titanfall teams – has its PS5 trophy list leaked online. The list appeared on trophy tracking sites, confirming the game remains on track for its January 26, 2026 launch across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Revealed as the surprise final announcement at The Game Awards 2025, Highguard immediately drew attention for its pedigree and ambitious scope. Rather than another arena shooter, Wildlight promises a ‘raid shooter’ blending territory control, base destruction, and large-scale PvP battles across a mythical continent. Players control arcane gunslingers called Wardens, riding mounts and wielding supernatural powers alongside traditional firearms.
What the Trophy List Reveals
The leaked PS5 trophy list offers the clearest picture yet of Highguard’s core gameplay loop. While full details remain under wraps until launch, the achievements point to familiar yet evolved shooter mechanics combined with Respawn’s signature movement systems.
| Trophy Name | Type | What It Suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Warden Initiate | Bronze | Reach player level 10 – Standard progression system |
| Mountbreaker | Bronze | Complete 50 mount takedowns – Mounts confirmed as core gameplay |
| Arcane Master | Silver | Unlock all Warden abilities – Hero-style ability progression |
| Territory Lord | Gold | Capture 100 control points – Classic objective-based PvP |
| Raid Complete | Gold | Win 50 Raid matches – Confirms ‘raid’ as primary game mode |
| Highguard Legend | Platinum | Obtain all other trophies – Full completion possible |
The trophies confirm mounts play a central role, with dedicated achievements for mount combat. This suggests Highguard differentiates itself through mobility, letting players fight from horseback or mount-like creatures while capturing territory and destroying enemy bases. The ‘Raid Complete’ trophy validates the game’s unique positioning as a raid shooter rather than traditional arena or battle royale.
Respawn DNA Runs Deep
Wildlight’s 61 founding members bring serious pedigree. The studio includes core developers behind Titanfall 2’s legendary movement system and Apex Legends’ ongoing success. Highguard appears to inherit this legacy with fluid gunplay, wall-running, and mount-based traversal that echo Titanfall’s double-jump slide mechanics.
The announcement trailer showcased supernatural abilities including ice walls, Thor-style hammers, giant swords that summon cat-headed tanks, and red orb projectiles. Combined with traditional shotguns and rifles, Highguard blends magical fantasy elements with grounded military shooter roots – think Titanfall meets World of Warcraft PvP.
Launch Timing Feels Risky
January 26 arrives just weeks after launch, leaving little time for polish concerns raised by some preview coverage. The Game Awards reveal trailer impressed with production values, but Steam discussions already predict flop status due to hero shooter fatigue. Highguard faces direct competition from established free-to-play giants like Valorant, Overwatch 2, and the upcoming Marathon.
Yet Respawn veterans give it credibility. Their track record suggests mechanical excellence even if market reception proves challenging. The free-to-play model removes purchase risk, letting players try Wildlight’s vision without commitment.
Game Modes and Progression
Trophy hints suggest familiar shooter structure with fresh execution:
- Raid Matches: Large-scale territory battles with base destruction
- Control Points: Classic objective capture with Warden abilities
- Mount Combat: Fight from horseback or summonable creatures
- Player Levels: Traditional battle pass-style progression
- Ability Unlocks: Hero-specific skill trees for each Warden
The mythical continent setting allows diverse environments from fantasy forests to arcane ruins. Mounts enable rapid map traversal and elevated combat positions, potentially solving common shooter complaints about camping and slow pacing.
PlayStation 5 Trophy Hunting
PS5 trophy hunters will appreciate the full Platinum trophy availability. The list appears grind-friendly rather than paywalled, with clear progression paths from Bronze to Platinum. Mount takedowns and territory captures suggest achievable goals for casual players, while Raid wins and ability mastery challenge dedicated grinders.
FAQs
What is Highguard?
Highguard is a free-to-play PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, founded by 61 Respawn Entertainment veterans from Apex Legends and Titanfall. Players fight as arcane gunslingers called Wardens across a mythical continent.
When does Highguard release?
Highguard launches January 26, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. The PS5 trophy list confirms the game remains on schedule.
Is Highguard free to play?
Yes, Highguard follows the free-to-play model with expected battle pass and cosmetic monetization. No upfront purchase required.
What Respawn developers made Highguard?
61 team members from Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends and Titanfall teams founded Wildlight Entertainment specifically to create Highguard.
Does Highguard have mounts?
Mounts play a central role. Trophies confirm mount takedowns as core gameplay alongside territory control and raid objectives.
Can you get Platinum in Highguard?
The leaked PS5 trophy list includes a Platinum trophy called ‘Highguard Legend,’ suggesting full completion remains achievable.
What makes Highguard different from other shooters?
Highguard combines Titanfall-style movement with fantasy raid objectives, mount combat, and supernatural Warden abilities rather than traditional arena shooter modes.
Is Highguard on Game Pass?
No confirmation yet, though the free-to-play model makes Game Pass inclusion unlikely. Available day one on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
The Raid Shooter Test
Highguard arrives at a challenging moment for the genre. Hero shooters face audience fatigue after years of similar releases, yet Respawn’s pedigree offers hope. The leaked trophy list confirms ambitious scope blending familiar shooter comforts with novel raid objectives and mount combat.
January 26 reveals whether Wildlight can deliver the mechanical excellence expected from its pedigree. Success means a fresh contender emerges. Failure reinforces shooter market saturation concerns. Either way, 61 Respawn veterans betting their studio’s future warrants attention from anyone who enjoyed Titanfall 2 or Apex Legends at their peak.
Mark your calendars. The raid begins in five days.