I’ve been absolutely hooked on Highguard since its launch, and let me tell you – this raid shooter is something special. As a 3v3 hero shooter that combines MOBA elements with intense FPS action, Highguard offers a unique experience that’ll keep you coming back for more. But here’s the thing: while the game might seem straightforward at first, there’s a ton of depth that many players miss. After sinking countless hours into mastering every aspect of this game, I’m here to share my Highguard tips and tricks that’ll help you dominate the battlefield and leave your opponents wondering what hit them.
Highguard is a free-to-play 3v3 raid shooter developed by Wildlight Entertainment that’s been making waves in the gaming community. Think of it as the perfect blend between hero shooters like Overwatch and base defense games like Rust, but with its own unique twist. You play as Wardens – arcane gunslingers battling for control of a mythical continent. The game unfolds in distinct phases: base reinforcement, resource gathering, Shieldbreaker battles, and intense raids where you either attack or defend. What makes Highguard stand out is how it combines strategic base building with fast-paced FPS combat, creating matches that feel both mentally engaging and adrenaline-pumping.
Honestly, what draws me to Highguard is how every match feels different. One moment I’m carefully planning my base defenses, the next I’m mounted on a bear charging across the map to intercept the enemy Shieldbearer. The game rewards both tactical thinking and mechanical skill, which means you can always improve regardless of your playstyle. I particularly love how the mount system adds a whole new dimension to movement – there’s nothing quite like leaping off a cliff on your trusty steed, knowing you won’t take any fall damage while your enemies below scramble to react. Plus, the character designs are fantastic, and each Warden brings something unique to the table that can completely change how you approach each match.
The first minute of every match is crucial for setting up your defenses. Instead of just reinforcing walls closest to your spawn, I’ve learned to spread out and cover key entry points from all angles. Here’s my pro tip: reinforce ceilings and floors too! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen teams get flanked because they only focused on wall reinforcements. Remember those five reinforcement pieces each player gets? Use them strategically across multiple potential breach points rather than dumping them all in one area.
This is where matches are won or lost. During the loot phase, I always tell my teammates to spread out initially but regroup as soon as the Shieldbreaker appears. Here’s the thing about Vesper mining – it’s more important than grabbing every weapon you see. Focus on perfecting that mining minigame: hit the button exactly when the rings align, and you’ll charge your axe for instant breaks on the next crystal. This technique alone has saved me countless matches by ensuring I always have enough resources for crucial purchases.
When the Shieldbreaker drops, that’s when the real fun begins. Whether you’re attacking or defending, communication is key. I’ve found that having two Wardens push one objective while the third creates pressure elsewhere works wonders. It splits the enemy’s attention and creates openings for your team to exploit. And don’t forget about those Ultimate chargers you can find in crates – they stack and can give you a massive advantage when used at the right moment.
Let me break down something that surprised me: the default loadout is actually fantastic. The Vanguard AR and Kraken Shotgun combo you start with is among the best in the game. The Vanguard offers incredible precision at mid-range, while the Kraken absolutely shreds in close quarters. Instead of constantly chasing new weapons, I recommend upgrading your starting loadout. However, if you do find the Big Rig from supply drops, grab it immediately – this heavy machine gun is arguably the best weapon in Highguard, with insane stability and damage output.
For those looking to mix things up, I’ve had great success with the Paladin shotgun for aggressive plays and the Longhorn revolver for players with good aim. The key isn’t finding the “best” weapon but mastering what works with your playstyle.
Your mount is more than just transportation – it’s a tactical tool. I use mine primarily for two things: reaching loot spots quickly during the gathering phase and making quick escapes. Here’s a game-changing tip: never dismount when going off cliffs! Your mount negates all fall damage, and at full speed, it can leap incredible distances. However, avoid fighting while mounted unless you have a clear advantage – mounts make you a bigger target, and when yours goes down, you’re vulnerable for those crucial seconds.
I can’t stress this enough: focus on Vesper over weapons early on. While shiny guns in chests are tempting, having enough currency to purchase armor, saddles, and raid tools from Trader Flynn will serve you better in the long run. Also, don’t buy armor in bulk – since you only lose one piece when you die and it regenerates infinitely while alive, you’re better off buying it as needed rather than wasting resources.
With eight different Wardens available, team composition can make or break your match. I always recommend having a mix of roles that complement each other. If you’re running assault-focused Wardens, pick a base with more ziplines and verticality. For defensive setups, choose bases with extra reinforcement space. And don’t forget about raid tools – the Zipline Gun can create instant access points, while the Rocket Launcher excels at clearing fortifications.
After hundreds of matches, I’ve discovered some tricks that many players overlook:
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up your game. I’ve found that controlling the center of the map during the loot phase gives your team better positioning for the Shieldbreaker fight. Additionally, learning when to disengage fights is crucial – Highguard’s TTK is fast, but surviving to fight another day often wins matches.
For defensive raids, I recommend setting up crossfires and using your reinforcement kits wisely. Don’t be afraid to fall back and regroup if the enemy breaks through your initial defenses. On offense, creating diversions can work wonders – send one player to make noise at one objective while your main force hits another.
I recommend starting with Slade – his abilities are straightforward and effective, letting you focus on learning the game’s core mechanics.
Always prioritize Vesper mining early on. Having resources for key purchases is more valuable than chasing weapon drops.
Use your mount! Mounts completely negate fall damage, so never dismount when going off cliffs or high areas.
Ultimate Chargers – many players ignore them, but stacking these can give you a massive advantage in team fights.
Extremely important. A well-balanced team with complementary abilities will consistently outperform a team of random picks.
Highguard is one of those rare games that keeps getting better the more you play it. The combination of strategic depth and fast-paced action creates an experience that’s both mentally stimulating and incredibly fun. Whether you’re a seasoned FPS veteran or new to the genre, these Highguard tips and tricks should give you a solid foundation to start dominating matches.
Remember, the key to improvement is practice and learning from each match. Don’t get discouraged by losses – every raid teaches you something new. Now get out there, mount up, and show those enemy Wardens what you’re made of! I’d love to hear about your favorite Highguard strategies or any tips you’ve discovered in your own matches.
