Exciting Update: A Major Patch Introduces a New Shapeshifting Hero, Sky Palace Map, Wolf Mounts, and 3v3-Only Ranked Mode Tomorrow!

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Highguard is set for another exciting transformation, as studio Wildlight has announced a major update that will introduce a new hero, a fresh map, a new mount, and a ranked mode, along with significant design changes, all launching tomorrow, February 6.

According to the official patch notes, the Episode 2 update will introduce the game’s first new Warden: Ekon, a shapeshifting monster-slayer who can transform into a fierce direwolf. This form allows him to track mounted enemies using his Dread ability, which reveals the heartbeats of injured foes. Plus, all players can snag the superior wolf mount for free as soon as the update drops. Woof.

The new map, Skydrift, will be available in both the classic 3v3 Raid mode and the newly permanent 5v5 mode. As the name implies, this map features raiders battling high above the clouds and introduces vertical traversal through Sky Jumpers, which launch players to different levels of the map, culminating in a palace above the clouds. I can already feel the vertigo setting in.

Tomorrow’s patch will also bring a ranked mode, which many players have been eagerly anticipating, and it will be limited to 3v3 rounds. “We believe 3v3 is the more tactical structure of the game and fits best for competitive play,” Wildlight states, emphasizing their commitment to player feedback. There are seven tiers of Ranked for players to ascend, with rewards at the end of each episode based on rank. However, the most coveted reward for me is the new wolf mount’s shadow wolf skin, obtainable by playing 10 Ranked matches. For those interested in the specifics, a detailed list of rules and scoring can be found in the patch notes.

Wildlight is also addressing player feedback regarding the Gear Up phase, the initial part of each match where players explore the map and loot points of interest for gear. This phase has been a common pain point, often leaving players feeling lost, so Wildlight is implementing some changes.

In a separate update on Twitter regarding Gear Up, Wildlight noted that internal playtests were more intense than the current player experience. Developers tended to focus on loot-rich points of interest and engage in battles, while “many players harvest more and use the shop as their primary means of gearing up instead of utilizing Vesper and Trader Flynn to supplement their loot.”

Essentially, it seems Highguard players aren’t engaging enough with the loot at points of interest, undermining the purpose of the Gear Up phase. To address this, Wildlight is “increasing the quality of loot found at Points of Interest.” Additionally, for those who find this phase confusing, waypoint markers and map updates will be added to clarify where players should go during Gear Up.

There’s a comprehensive list of additional quality-of-life updates available in the patch notes, but I think we’ve covered enough Highguard for today. Who knows what other exciting changes might be on the way tomorrow?

Here are some Highguard tips for both newcomers and those ready to tackle Ranked.

Rank	Player	Score	Time