The Game Awards 2025 concluded with an unexpected announcement: Highguard, a new PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, the studio formed by former developers of Titanfall and Apex Legends. Unlike many reveals that are spoiled by leaks or speculation, this title arrived without prior notice, catching the gaming community by surprise.
Highguard appears to combine multiple gameplay elements, offering players a mix of powers, abilities, and unique combat options. One of the features generating early attention is mounted combat, allowing players to shoot while riding a horse. This combination of mobility and combat adds a new layer to traditional PvP mechanics and sets it apart from other shooters currently in development.
According to the game’s Steam page, the premise of Highguard is as follows:
“From the creators of Apex Legends and Titanfall, comes Highguard: a PvP raid shooter where players will ride, fight, and raid as Wardens, arcane gunslingers sent to fight for control of a mythical continent. Battle rival Warden crews for possession of the Shieldbreaker, then break into and destroy the enemy base to secure territory in this all-new breed of shooter.”
The game is set on a mythical continent where teams, called Wardens, compete to secure territory and valuable objectives. Players must coordinate raids and engage in combat both on foot and on horseback, using a combination of firearms and unique powers to overcome rival teams. Early impressions suggest that the title focuses heavily on strategy, teamwork, and dynamic combat scenarios, which could provide a fresh experience for fans of PvP shooters.
Highguard will be available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. The game is scheduled for release on January 26, 2026, and will adopt a free-to-play model. While it is still too early to predict how it will perform in the competitive shooter market, the pedigree of the development team and the combination of innovative mechanics have attracted significant interest from players.
As the release date approaches, gamers and industry observers will likely be watching closely to see how Highguard balances its gameplay systems and delivers on its promise of a new style of raid-based PvP action.
