This weekend, Wildlight has kicked off an exciting update for its hero shooter, Highguard. They’ve introduced a limited-time 5v5 mode that promises to spice up the gameplay. Players can team up in larger squads and dive into action.
Alongside the new mode, Highguard features a fresh location called Soul Well. This mysterious base invites players to explore its depths, adding a rich layer of intrigue to both the 3v3 and 5v5 matches. Check out the base overview for a glimpse into what awaits: Watch on YouTube.
To support the expanded teams, lobby sizes have grown to accommodate five players, and there’s a change in raid mechanics, with teams now having 10 lives instead of six. Expect longer respawn times to enhance gameplay strategy, especially in raids. Note that the Firing Range is currently limited to three-player parties.
Wildlight describes this update as part of their commitment to creating an engaging live service game. They’ve already addressed numerous bugs and have rolled out performance enhancements. According to their latest Patch 1.0.4, players can enjoy new video settings and features that were highly requested.
Here’s a brief overview of the new features:
- Weekend 5v5 Raid Mode as a separate playlist.
- Raids now feature 10 lives instead of 6.
- Longer respawn times for strategic gameplay.
Game developers have noted that expanding teams can affect performance. As one team member put it, “Adding 4 more players is not going to improve performance.” So, players should keep game conditions in mind when trying the new 5v5 mode.
The Soul Well base adds an eerie atmosphere, suggesting that the lore of the game runs deep. Players will be able to encounter this base across various game modes, expanding their experience.
Furthermore, the latest patch optimizes various elements, improving animation and projectile performance. These tweaks are designed for both console and PC users, although individual performance may vary based on hardware setups.
Players will also find some quality-of-life updates, such as:
- Motion blur toggle for PC and consoles.
- Anisotropic materials toggle for consoles.
Highguard made waves at last month’s Game Awards, drawing interest from gamers and developers alike. Despite its rocky start—with feedback about map sizes and formats—the support from the gaming community has been encouraging. Developers from 1047 Games, known for Splitgate, emphasized that no game is flawless at launch.
As Highguard continues to evolve, it’s clear that player feedback is shaping its journey. The commitment to improvement reflects trends across the gaming industry, where player input increasingly drives development and updates.

