The wait is finally over. Highguard, the highly anticipated debut title from Wildlight Entertainment, has officially launched today, January 26, 2026. Developed by the veterans behind Apex Legends and Titanfall, this free-to-play Highguard beginner guide will help you navigate the chaotic blend of tactical gunplay and fantasy magic. As Wardens descending upon a mythical continent, players are thrust into a unique "raid shooter" format that combines the base-breaching intensity of Rust with the fluid combat of a hero shooter. Whether you're struggling to control the Shieldbreaker or looking for the best Highguard extraction shooter tips, mastering these mechanics early is key to dominating the competition.
1. Prioritize the Shieldbreaker Objective Above All
Unlike traditional deathmatch shooters, Highguard gameplay walkthrough videos highlight a distinct flow: the fight for the Shieldbreaker. This siege weapon is the heart of the match. In the early game, ignore the temptation to engage in pointless skirmishes away from the objective. Your primary goal is to secure the Shieldbreaker, as it is the only way to effectively breach the enemy's bubble-shielded bases.
Once your team controls the Shieldbreaker, the game shifts from an arena shooter to a siege defense. Use the device to pierce the enemy's force field. If you are on the defending side, prioritize destroying the Shieldbreaker carrier before they can set up a breach. Controlling this objective dictates the pace of the match and forces the enemy to react to your movements.
2. Mastering Arcane Gunslinger Builds
The core fantasy of Highguard is becoming an "arcane gunslinger." This means your loadout shouldn't just rely on firearms; it must synergize with your magical abilities. When crafting Highguard arcane gunslinger builds, consider the elemental affinities of your weapons. For example, pairing a high-fire-rate revolver with Void magic can help strip enemy shields faster, leaving them vulnerable to kinetic damage.
Don't treat your magic as a panic button. Instead, weave spells into your reload animations. A common beginner mistake is emptying a magazine and then casting a spell. Advanced Wardens cast crowd-control spells while repositioning, ensuring their gun is reloaded and ready the moment the spell effect ends. Experiment with different mods to find a balance between raw firepower and utility.
3. Highguard Extraction Shooter Tips: Loot Management
While Highguard bills itself as a raid shooter, it shares DNA with the extraction genre. Looting is critical. You will find chests scattered across the map containing weapon mods, ammo, and arcane essences. The "Plunderer" trophy requires looting 15 chests in a single match, but beyond achievements, this loot powers up your team for the final siege.
Manage your inventory wisely. Don't hoard low-tier elemental mods if your team already has better gear. Drop resources for your specialized teammates—give the sniper ammo to your sharpshooter and the mana potions to your heavy caster. Treat every match like a mini-economy where efficiency leads to victory.
4. Utilize Your Mount for Combat, Not Just Travel
One of the standout features in Highguard is the phantom mount system. These spectral horses aren't just for getting from point A to point B. You can fire your secondary weapon while mounted, allowing for high-speed drive-by attacks that catch enemies off guard. This is especially effective when flanking a base defense.
However, be wary of the "Animal Control" achievement hunters who will target your mount specifically. A destroyed mount leaves you vulnerable and immobile in the open. Learn to dismount mid-jump to carry your momentum into a slide, making you a harder target while transitioning from travel mode to combat mode.
5. Breaching Tactics: Destruction is Key
The base raids in Highguard are reminiscent of survival games. Walls are destructible, but ammo is finite. Don't waste small arms fire on reinforced stone walls. Instead, save your explosives and heavy arcane spells for structural weaknesses. The Wildlight Entertainment Highguard guide explicitly mentions that bases are blocky and modular—learn the common layouts.
When attacking, don't funnel through a single breach point. Create a diversionary hole in one wall while your main force enters through another. If you are defending, keep repair tools or earth magic ready to patch holes quickly, forcing the enemy to waste more resources to get back in.
6. Highguard Best Weapons and Magic Combos
Early meta analysis suggests that flexibility is king. The current Highguard best weapons and magic loadouts favor versatility over raw power. A popular combo on launch day is the Lever-Action Rifle paired with Frostbinding magic. The rifle offers high burst damage, while the frost slows down enemy Wardens, making headshots significantly easier to land.
For close-quarters breaching, consider the Mag-Shotgun combined with Blink abilities. This allows you to teleport through a breached wall and instantly clear a room before the dust settles. Avoid heavy rocket launchers unless you have a dedicated team to cover you, as the reload times can be fatal in fast-paced raids.
7. Team Composition and Roles
Highguard is not a solo game. Highguard tips and tricks often overlook the importance of role synergy. Because it is a hero-shooter hybrid, your team needs a mix of frontline breakers and backline supports. Ensure at least one Warden in your squad runs a "Scanner" or recon build to reveal enemy positions inside a base before you breach.
Communicate your ultimate status constantly. Coordinating a massive area-of-effect spell with a base breach can wipe an entire defending team in seconds. If you are playing with randoms, use the ping system liberally to mark high-value loot and enemy flankers.
