Highguard Developers Implement Major Changes Amid Declining Player Numbers

Since its launch on January 26, Highguard has faced challenges in retaining players, as indicated by data from SteamDB. However, Wildlight is committed to the free-to-play raid shooter and has introduced a significant update: a 5v5 mode.

On Friday, Chan Grenier, the studio head and game director, hinted on Twitter about an upcoming “big update” for Highguard, stating, “You’ll want to see this one.” After a brief wait, the update was revealed, and it was indeed substantial. For a limited time, Highguard will feature a 5v5 mode, marking a notable departure from the previously criticized 3v3 format, which many found too cramped and intense.

“We heard the feedback,” the official Highguard account announced. “For the weekend, we are experimenting with a 5v5 Raid Mode. This is a separate playlist and not meant to replace 3’s. 3v3 Raids are still available for those who enjoy them! The lobby has been updated to accommodate parties of 5 while the mode is live.”

You asked, we listened

All-new 5v5 limited time mode, playable now! ⚔️

The new mode is part of a patch that is currently live on consoles and PC. The 5v5 mode will only be available for the weekend, and Wildlight has cautioned that increasing the player count might lead to some performance issues. Nonetheless, I’m eager to dive back into Highguard and see if the addition of more players can inject some excitement into the game’s expansive maps and alleviate the pressure on players during team fights.

The buzz around Highguard has been tumultuous since its announcement in the final teaser at the 2025 Game Awards in December. The trailer didn’t generate the anticipated excitement, and a subsequent silence from the developers left room for frustration among fans, leading to a flurry of commentary, confusion, and mixed opinions across various platforms. When the game finally launched earlier this week, it attracted a surge of interest, nearly hitting 100k concurrent players according to SteamDB. However, just days later, the player count has dropped significantly as negative reviews continue to accumulate on the game’s Steam page.

Will this major change be enough to turn the tide, or is Highguard destined to join the ranks of live-service games that have struggled to maintain their player base? It’s hard to say, but it’s clear that Wildlight Entertainment is ready to implement bold changes in an effort to keep the game alive.