If you thought the hero shooter genre had run out of fresh ideas in 2026, Wildlight Entertainment is here to prove you wrong. After dominating headlines this week, their debut title, Highguard, has finally arrived, bringing a chaotic blend of tactical base-building and high-speed mounted combat to the masses. As the first project from the ex-Respawn developers who gave us Titanfall and Apex Legends, expectations were stratospheric. Our Highguard review finds that while the launch has been marred by technical gremlins, the core gameplay loop of this self-proclaimed "PvP raid shooter" delivers some of the most addictive multiplayer moments of the year.
Defining the PvP Raid Shooter Genre
At its heart, Highguard attempts to synthesize the high-stakes tension of survival game raids (think Rust) with the accessible, punchy gunplay of a hero shooter. The result is a 3v3 experience that feels entirely new. Matches start quietly: your team spawns in a fortress, with just minutes to fortify walls and set up defenses. Then, the gates open.
The pacing is masterful. You aren't just running and gunning; you are mounting up on bears, horses, and hippogryphs to scour the map for loot and resources. The tension spikes when the "Shieldbreaker"—a massive siege weapon—spawns. Securing this objective is the only way to breach the enemy's base, shifting the game from a MOBA-style skirmish into a desperate, explosive siege. It’s a loop that rewards tactical communication over twitch reflexes alone, setting a strong contender for the best multiplayer games 2026 lists.
Highguard Horseback Gunplay: A New Standard?
One of the most touted features is the Highguard horseback gunplay, and we are happy to report it feels phenomenal. Wildlight has successfully translated the fluid, momentum-based movement of Apex Legends onto four legs. Shooting from the back of a galloping mount doesn't feel clunky; it feels empowering. You can slide your mount around corners, leap over barricades, and unleash ultimate abilities without ever slowing down.
The "Wardens" (the game's hero characters) offer distinct playstyles that synergize beautifully with this mobility. Whether you are playing as a heavy Warden providing mobile cover or a scout flinging spells from the saddle, the combat remains readable despite the chaos. This is the ex-Respawn developers new game DNA in action: movement is king, and standing still is a death sentence.
Performance Analysis: PC and Highguard Switch 2 Performance
While the gameplay shines, the technical state of the game at launch has been a major point of contention. PC players are currently reporting optimization issues, with frame rate drops plaguing even high-end rigs—a factor contributing to the "Mostly Negative" user score on Steam. However, console performance tells a slightly different story.
On the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the game holds a steady 60 FPS. But the real surprise is the Highguard Switch 2 performance. Running on Nintendo's new hardware, the game manages a respectable, dynamic 1080p in docked mode. While texture quality is dialled back compared to its next-gen cousins, the framerate remains consistent during intense siege moments. It seems Wildlight prioritized stability for the handheld hybrid, making it a viable way to grind out matches on the go, provided you have a stable internet connection.
The Verdict: A Rough Gem Worth Polishing
Highguard is a game of extremes. Its design is bold, innovative, and incredibly fun when it clicks. The thrill of breaching an enemy fortress with seconds on the clock is unmatched in the current shooter market. However, the technical hurdles—ranging from server instability to the controversial kernel-level anti-cheat—cannot be ignored.
Wildlight Entertainment has already released a roadmap promising monthly content updates, new Wardens, and aggressive performance patches. If they can stabilize the ship, Highguard has the potential to define the PvP raid shooter sub-genre for years to come. For now, it is a must-play for competitive gamers willing to brave a few launch-week bugs for a taste of something truly revolutionary.
