Why Highguard Is Trending
Highguard launched on January 26, 2026, as a free-to-play PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment. It immediately attracted nearly 100,000 concurrent players on Steam — a remarkable feat for any new game, especially a new IP. Players are drawn to its unique blend of arcane gunslinging, mount combat, and raid-focused PvP, set against a richly realized mythical world.
However, the launch also sparked controversy: despite the impressive player peak, Highguard received "Mostly Negative" user reviews on Steam, with players citing thin content, balance issues, and feeling like the game arrived before it was ready. IGN praised the "compelling gunplay" and gave it a 7/10, calling the raid mode "memorable" but noting the launch version "feels like a rough draft." This debate has kept Highguard in gaming conversations throughout February 2026.
Key Stats
Trending in the Steam — category with 1,242 concurrent players and Trending on Steam this week.
What Players Are Saying
✅ Reasons to Play
- Completely free to play — all core content including maps, wardens, and weapons is free with each new Episode
- Unique raid mode with arcane gunslinging and mount combat that stands out from other hero shooters
- Strong gunplay praised by critics — IGN gave it a 7/10 for its compelling combat feel
❌ Things to Consider
- Mostly Negative user reviews on Steam despite a massive 97K player peak — content feels thin at launch
- Controversial developer news: Wildlight Entertainment laid off most of its dev team two weeks after launch
- Feels unfocused — the mix of mechanics (raid, mounts, hero shooter) hasn't fully come together yet
What the Community Is Saying
game was a wasteland with the 3v3 mode. 5v5 is absolutely a better pace and actually brings purpose to the farming and looting side of the game. w devs for not blaming the community and actually listening. def worth at least trying and forming your own opinion.
you know talk all this about the developer but atleast their patching the game quickly alongside adding peoples desires to the game like more then 3 players! give this game a month or two and it'll get better if they keep it up!..
I don't often write steam reviews, but the amount of blind hate this game gets for existing astonishes me. If you don't like competitive team shooters then this game still isn't for you. However, if you're like me, enjoy competitive team shooters, and are tired of every game…
The bones of a fun game is there. Just waiting for a massive performance update right now. 5v5 is fun and I saw my performance improve a little bit with the recent patch.
I mostly just feel bad for the devs. The game clearly wasn't designed or prepared for this level of scrutiny. Everything is blurry and unclear. The map is the size of Latvia but you only have 3 players so most of your time is spent running around the map looking for something to…
3v3 IS NOT THE RIGHT FORMAT FOR THIS GAME The maps in this game are way too big for 3v3, the size would fit better for 5v5 or 6v6. The guns feel nice to shoot but feel uninspired. Audio is weird cause people sound like their above you when they are actually in front of you and…
Should You Play Highguard?
Highguard holds critically mixed to negative reviews on Steam with a 47% positive rating, struggled to win over the majority of players. It attracts a healthy 1,242 players at peak, showing strong player retention for a — title. Potential buyers should read recent reviews carefully before purchasing.
Highguard is free to play on Steam, developed by Wildlight Ent.. Players who enjoy the — genre and want something currently trending on Steam will find Highguard worth checking out.
Should You Play Highguard?
Highguard holds critically mixed to negative reviews on Steam with a 47% positive rating, struggled to win over the majority of players. It attracts a healthy 1,242 players at peak, showing strong player retention for a — title. Potential buyers should read recent reviews carefully before purchasing.
Highguard is free to play on Steam, developed by Wildlight Ent.. Players who enjoy the — genre and want something currently trending on Steam will find Highguard worth checking out.
Is Highguard Worth Playing in 2026?
Is Highguard worth playing in 2026?
Highguard is free-to-play so it's worth trying — but be aware the launch reception was rocky. The game peaked at nearly 100,000 concurrent players but received mostly negative user reviews due to thin content and some design issues. IGN gave it a 7/10, praising the gunplay while noting it feels like a rough draft. It has potential but needs more development before it's a must-play.
Who made Highguard?
Highguard was developed and published by Wildlight Entertainment, Inc. The studio launched the game into free-to-play on January 26, 2026. Notably, the company made headlines when it laid off a significant portion of its development team just two weeks after launch — raising questions about the game's future roadmap, though content updates continue to be planned.
How many players does Highguard have?
Highguard reached a peak of 97,249 concurrent players on Steam at launch on January 26, 2026 — nearly 100,000 — an impressive number for any new game. However, player counts have dropped significantly since then, reflecting the mixed reception and the challenges of retaining players in a competitive free-to-play market.
Is Highguard free to play?
Yes, Highguard is completely free to play on Steam. Wildlight Entertainment has committed to keeping all core content — maps, modes, wardens, weapons, mounts, and raid tools — free for all players. New Episodes will continue to add content on a monthly cadence, making this a long-term live-service game.
Is it free to play?
Highguard is a paid game on Steam. Check the Steam store page for current pricing and any active discounts.
How many people play Highguard?
Player counts for Highguard vary. It appears in TrendingGames.gg's top-1000 tracked games, indicating active Steam followers and community interest.
