After a period of quiet since its reveal at The Game Awards, Highguard made its debut last night as the newest free-to-play PvP shooter in the gaming scene – and the initial performance results are now available.
Highguard was launched at 6 pm GMT and quickly drew nearly 100,000 players within the first hours, peaking at almost 97,249 on Steam. It’s important to note that these numbers do not include Xbox or PlayStation where the game also launched simultaneously.
However, the player count saw a significant decline shortly after the initial surge. As of the latest update, approximately 11,128 individuals are currently engaged in playing Highguard on Steam.
Presently, Highguard barely manages to secure a spot in Steam’s top 100, although this comparison may not be entirely fair considering it’s midday in the UK and the majority of the US population is asleep.
Despite attracting 97,249 players, Highguard failed to break into Steam’s top 10, falling behind popular titles like Stardew Valley, Grand Theft Auto V, and Apex Legends – a game that many developers at Wildlight Entertainment contributed to before embarking on Highguard.
Unfortunately, Highguard’s launch received a ‘Mostly Negative’ rating from players on Steam, with many criticizing the game’s unconventional structure and subpar performance.
However, it’s worth noting that most of these negative reviews were posted after only about an hour of gameplay. It’s possible that Highguard may need more time to resonate with its target audience.
Despite the lukewarm reception, Wildlight Entertainment remains optimistic about the game’s future. Lead designer Mohammad Alavi expressed confidence in the game’s ability to succeed without needing massive player numbers, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a loyal fan base to drive growth.
Prior to its release, there were concerns about whether Highguard would face a fate similar to Concord, a hero shooter by Sony in 2024 that failed to gain traction and was discontinued within a week. While it’s too early to predict, the outlook for Highguard appears much more positive.
In terms of Steam player counts, Concord’s peak was a mere 697, significantly lower than Highguard’s impressive 97,249, marking a substantial lead for the latter.
Wildlight Entertainment has also unveiled a comprehensive content roadmap for the next year, promising monthly updates with new features such as maps, bases, raid tools, weapons, and more.
Additionally, a ranked mode is set to launch in the next two weeks, along with the distribution of the first Battle Pass to all players at no cost, demonstrating Wildlight Entertainment’s commitment to engaging new players through various means.
Having personally played a few matches of Highguard, I found the experience enjoyable despite encountering typical network issues common in high-profile multiplayer releases. The gameplay offers a unique loop that sets it apart from traditional battle royale and arena shooters, providing a refreshing change of pace.
It’s noticeable that some teammates tend to leave matches prematurely, possibly seeking instant gratification akin to popular shooters like Titanfall or Call of Duty, rather than embracing Highguard’s gradual escalation of action throughout a match.
Whether this behavior reflects modern attention spans in 2026 or points to Wildlight’s marketing strategy is inconclusive. Nevertheless, there is a suggestion that disconnecting from social media opinions could enhance the enjoyment of games like Highguard, which garnered significant attention since its unveiling at The Game Awards.
For gamers seeking a fresh multiplayer experience distinct from Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty, I recommend giving Highguard a chance beyond the initial hour of play. Engaging further may lead to becoming part of the core fan base that Wildlight aims to entertain.