Highguard – Analysis: high ambitions face a difficult reception
A desire to revamp competitive FPS gaming
With Highguard, the developers clearly wanted to offer an alternative to traditional shooters. The mix of shooting, strategy, resource gathering, and base attacks aims to enrich the multiplayer experience and offer more depth than simple direct confrontations.
© Affiche : Highguard (2026), Wildlight Entertainment – visuels promotionnels officiels.
source: Gameplay: YouTube – Shroud 28-01-2026
source: Gameplay: YouTube – Wisethug 27-01-2026
Innovation versus accessibility
However, this ambition comes at a price. The game takes time to understand and master. The first few hours can be confusing, especially for players accustomed to more straightforward first-person shooters. This learning curve may explain some of the negative reviews seen at launch.
The importance of first impressions
In a free multiplayer game, the first few hours are crucial. The technical issues encountered at launch had a significant impact on the game's image. Many players quickly gave up, without necessarily taking the time to explore all the mechanics on offer.
A divided community
Player reviews show an interesting contrast. Those who have spent little time on the game are often very critical, while more invested players recognize a certain potential and real strategic depth. This raises the question of how much time is needed to judge such a hybrid game.
What does the future hold for Highguard?
Highguard could evolve positively if the developers manage to fix the technical issues, improve the pace of gameplay, and better support new players. The game has the foundations to build a loyal community, but its future will largely depend on future support and updates.
