Highguard launched less than a week ago, but the PvP raid shooter quickly drew criticism from players over its gameplay flow and technical stability. While the core concept attracted attention, many early adopters reported that matches often felt slow due to the 3v3 format, large maps, and looting-focused design. Performance issues on both PC and consoles further added to concerns during the game’s opening days.
In response, developer Wildlight Entertainment has announced a new update that introduces an experimental 5v5 playlist alongside a set of performance-related changes. The studio says the new mode is intended to increase engagement during matches by placing more players on the map at once. The 5v5 queue will be available for testing over the weekend following the update and is being positioned as a limited trial rather than a permanent replacement for existing modes.
The 5v5 mode includes several rule adjustments to account for the higher player count. Teams will have four additional lives, while respawn timers have been extended slightly to maintain balance. Wildlight has confirmed that the original 3v3 playlist will remain available. The developer has also cautioned that performance may be affected in 5v5 matches, particularly on lower-end systems, due to the increased number of active players and on-screen effects.
Beyond the new mode, the patch focuses heavily on technical improvements. According to Wildlight, optimizations have been made to animation performance, projectile behavior, and draw submission times. These changes are expected to improve overall frame rates across PC and console versions, with results varying depending on system hardware. Additional settings have also been introduced, including a motion blur toggle on both PC and consoles, and an anisotropic materials toggle for console players.
The update also adds a new base construct known as the Soul Well, which will be included in all gameplay rotations starting January 30. The Soul Well is described as an ancient structure featuring two generators, a rear keep, an underground fortress, and a tall central altar that provides an elevated defensive position. The layout is designed to support multiple combat routes, offering both vertical and close-quarters engagements during matches.
This update marks the first major post-launch response from Wildlight Entertainment as it begins addressing early feedback around pacing and performance. With the experimental 5v5 mode now available for testing and broader technical fixes in place, the studio appears to be gathering data to determine how Highguard should evolve in the weeks following its release.
