Unveiled during the closing moments of The Game Awards by Geoff Keighley, Highguard emerged as a new venture from former developers of Apex Legends and Titanfall, showcasing a mythical theme where heroes wield a blend of arcane firearms and magical powers.
Distinguishing itself from the crowded hero shooter genre, Highguard introduces a unique gameplay element with matches divided into two halves. Players initially compete to secure the ‘Shieldbreaker,’ depicted in the trailer as a massive ram that breaches an enemy base’s forcefield.
Following the destruction of the Shieldbreaker, teams must invade the enemy base to seize territory and accumulate points. The trailer showcases players riding mounts and causing environmental destruction, setting Highguard apart from its genre counterparts.
Keighley shared his enthusiasm prior to the reveal, stating, “I’ve played it and after you’ve seen this trailer, I think you’re going to want to as well.” However, not all gamers share his sentiment. On Reddit, opinions about Highguard vary, with some expressing skepticism, labeling it as another Overwatch imitator.
Arriving amidst a challenging landscape for hero shooters, Highguard faces comparisons to previous titles like Marvel Rivals and Overwatch, which have seen declining player bases. The industry also witnessed Sony’s failed attempt with Concord, a hero shooter that was swiftly discontinued after disappointing sales.
Despite these challenges, Highguard benefits from a team of over 60 seasoned shooter developers from Respawn Entertainment, offering a wealth of experience in the genre. In contrast to paid-entry models like Concord and Overwatch 2, Highguard will be free-to-play, enabling gamers to experience the game without financial commitment.
Additionally, Highguard will be independently published by Wildlight Entertainment, potentially allowing for a more focused execution of the game’s vision without corporate interference. The game is set for release on January 26, 2026, in a stealth drop strategy, giving players a chance to experience it in just over six weeks.