Highguard Makes Popular 5v5 Mode Permanent Amid Player Decline
▼ Summary
– Highguard launched poorly in January 2026 with negative reviews due to a confusing, low-marketing rollout and an under-cooked state.
– Developer Wildlight quickly improved sentiment by adding a permanent 5v5 mode, which made the game feel more frenetic and boosted Steam reviews to “Mixed”.
– Despite the improvements, the game faces a highly negative social media conversation and struggles with low and declining player counts on PC.
– The game’s long-term survival is uncertain, as its current player numbers are weak for a new live-service shooter despite having a full-year roadmap.
– Crossplay is enabling quick matchmaking, suggesting potentially stronger console interest, but the overall future remains precarious.
The launch of Highguard has been a turbulent journey, marked by a perplexing release strategy and initial player backlash, yet a recent shift to a permanent 5v5 game mode has sparked a notable turnaround in its community reception. Developer Wildlight Entertainment moved quickly to address early criticisms, experimenting with a limited-time 5v5 option that fundamentally changed the feel of the game’s expansive maps. This tactical adjustment proved to be a masterstroke, transforming the pace from methodical to frenetic and directly contributing to a rise in its Steam review status. The mode’s popularity has now secured it a permanent place in the matchmaking queue, offering a glimpse of the shooter’s potential despite its rocky start.
Social media and broader online discourse, however, remain largely hostile. The title has become a focal point for critics of the oversaturated live-service model, often serving as a convenient target for content creators rather than being evaluated on its own evolving merits. While there are valid industry-wide conversations to be had about market saturation, the narrative surrounding Highguard frequently lacks nuance, overshadowing the genuine improvements being made.
The underlying reality is that the game launched in an objectively undercooked state, struggling to find its footing in a crowded field of competitive shooters. Its SteamDB charts reveal a concerning decline in concurrent players on PC, with current figures far from ideal for a title barely a week post-launch. While positive reviews are now outpacing negative ones, sustaining a healthy player base remains the paramount challenge. The introduction of the 5v5 mode is a promising core gameplay loop that finally feels cohesive and engaging, suggesting a possible path forward.
Crossplay functionality is currently a saving grace, ensuring swift matchmaking across platforms and potentially masking a stronger console player base that isn’t publicly quantified. For many, including seasoned players wary of past disappointments with similar titles, this update has reignited cautious curiosity. The developer’s commitment, evidenced by a full-year content roadmap, is clear. Yet the ultimate question persists: is this resurgence enough to secure a long-term future, or is it merely a temporary reprieve in a fiercely competitive landscape? The 5v5 mode has given Highguard a fighting chance, but its survival hinges on maintaining this momentum and continuing to refine the experience based on player feedback.
(Source: EUROGAMER)
