Highguard Devs Make a Bold Move Amidst Declining Player Interest
The fate of Highguard, a free-to-play raid shooter, hangs in the balance as its player count plummets post-launch. Since its release on January 26, the game has struggled to retain players, as evidenced by data from SteamDB. However, the developers, Wildlight, are not giving up and have announced a significant change: introducing a 5v5 mode.
On Friday, Wildlight's studio head and game director, Chan Grenier, hinted at an upcoming 'big update' on Twitter, sparking excitement among players. The update arrived promptly, offering a limited-time 5v5 mode, a departure from the previously criticized 3v3 mode. This shift addresses player feedback, as acknowledged by the official Highguard account, which stated, 'We heard the feedback. For the weekend, we are experimenting with a 5v5 Raid Mode.'
The new mode is part of a patch now live on consoles and PC, available for a limited time. While the 5v5 mode adds more players, it may also introduce performance challenges, as Wildlight warns. The developers aim to enhance the gameplay experience by introducing more players to the game's expansive maps, potentially reducing the pressure on individual players during team fights.
Highguard's journey has been tumultuous since its announcement at the 2025 Game Awards. The trailer failed to generate excitement, and the subsequent silence fueled speculation and negative reactions. The game's launch saw a surge in players, but the numbers quickly declined as negative reviews flooded the Steam page. The question remains: will this major update be enough to reverse the trend, or is Highguard destined to become another casualty in the live-service gaming arena?
Despite the uncertainty, Wildlight's willingness to adapt and listen to player feedback is a positive sign. The gaming community eagerly awaits the outcome, with many wondering if this change will be the turning point Highguard needs.
