As someone who’s spent countless hours diving into Highguard’s intense firefights, I can tell you that mastering the weapon meta is absolutely crucial for climbing those competitive ranks. When I first started playing, I made the mistake of treating every gun like it was created equal – let me tell you, that was a painful learning curve! After extensive testing across different maps, game modes, and combat scenarios, I’ve put together what I believe is the most comprehensive Highguard weapons tier list you’ll find anywhere.
Highguard features 13 distinct weapons that each bring something unique to the battlefield. What sets this game apart from other shooters is how every weapon feels genuinely different in your hands – you’re not just getting reskinned versions of the same gun. The three Raid Tools add an interesting strategic layer, allowing for creative base assaults and defensive plays that can completely turn the tide of a match.
What I love most about Highguard’s weapon design is how each gun forces you to adapt your playstyle. You can’t just pick up any weapon and expect to dominate – you need to understand its strengths, weaknesses, and optimal situations. That’s exactly why I’ve created this detailed tier list to help you make informed decisions.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about Highguard’s gunplay that keeps me coming back for more. The sound design alone deserves praise – every shot feels impactful, and you can actually hear the difference between weapon types. I particularly appreciate how the game balances accessibility with depth; newcomers can pick up a Vanguard and hold their own, while veterans can master the intricacies of weapons like the Saber Rifle.
What really sets Highguard apart for me is how the weapon meta encourages team composition. Unlike other shooters where everyone just runs the same meta weapon, Highguard’s diverse arsenal means coordinated teams can cover all engagement ranges effectively. I’ve had some of my most memorable matches playing support roles with Raid Tools while my teammates handled direct combat.
After hundreds of hours of gameplay and rigorous testing, here’s my definitive ranking of all Highguard weapons:
These are the weapons that consistently deliver results regardless of the situation. If you’re serious about climbing ranks, these should be your go-to choices.
Vanguard (Assault Rifle) Damage: 45 | Fire Rate: 600 RPM | Range: Medium-Long The Vanguard is, without a doubt, the most versatile weapon in Highguard. What makes it S-tier for me is its perfect balance of damage, accuracy, and handling. I’ve found it excels in almost every engagement scenario, from close-quarters panic moments to long-distance poke fights. The key to mastering the Vanguard is controlling its vertical recoil pattern – once you nail that, you’ll be landing headshots consistently.
Kraken (Pump-Action Shotgun) Damage: 120 (per pellet) | Fire Rate: 68 RPM | Range: Close Nothing beats the Kraken for raw close-quarters power. I’ve won countless clutch rounds with this beast, and there’s nothing more satisfying than one-shotting opponents who think they can rush you. The secret to Kraken mastery is positioning – you need to use cover effectively and know when to push. Unlike other shotguns, the Kraken maintains its damage output at slightly longer ranges, giving you more flexibility.
Big Rig (Light Machine Gun) Damage: 35 | Fire Rate: 750 RPM | Range: Medium The Big Rig is Highguard’s answer to area denial. What puts this weapon in S-tier for me is its incredible magazine capacity (150 rounds!) and its ability to damage structures. I’ve used the Big Rig to single-handedly hold down entire sections of the map, and its suppression effect can psychologically pressure enemies into making mistakes. The mobility penalty is real, but the trade-off is worth it in defensive situations.
These weapons are fantastic in their specific roles and can easily carry you to victory if used correctly.
Paladin (Automatic Shotgun) Damage: 18 (per pellet) | Fire Rate: 240 RPM | Range: Close The Paladin trades the Kraken’s raw power for consistency. What I love about this weapon is its forgiving nature – missing a shot isn’t as punishing, and the faster fire rate gives you more chances to secure kills. It’s particularly effective against enemies using mobility abilities since you can track them more easily.
Dynasty (Assault Rifle) Damage: 52 | Fire Rate: 550 RPM | Range: Medium-Long Think of the Dynasty as Highguard’s AK-47 equivalent. It hits harder than the Vanguard but demands more skill to control. I’ve found the Dynasty excels in mid-range engagements where you can leverage its damage advantage. The key is burst firing – going full-auto will send your bullets flying everywhere except where you want them.
Viper (SMG) Damage: 22 | Fire Rate: 900 RPM | Range: Close-Medium The Viper is a monster in close-quarters combat. What makes it special is its lightning-fast time-to-kill when you land those headshots. I’ve used the Viper to outplay opponents with “better” weapons simply by using its superior mobility and fire rate. The reload animation is genuinely satisfying too – quick, efficient, and ready for more action.
These weapons fill specific niches and can be devastating in the right hands, but they require more game sense to use effectively.
Longhorn (Revolver) Damage: 85 | Fire Rate: 120 RPM | Range: Medium The Longhorn is Highguard’s high-risk, high-reward weapon. Landing those precision shots feels incredible, but the slow fire rate and lengthy reload can leave you vulnerable in hectic situations. I’ve found success with the Longhorn when playing passively and picking off enemies from unexpected angles.
Saber Rifle (Burst Assault Rifle) Damage: 65 (per burst) | Fire Rate: 180 RPM | Range: Medium-Long The Saber Rifle punishes poor positioning like no other weapon. Each burst packs serious damage, but that strange delay between bursts takes some getting used to. I recommend this weapon for players with excellent tracking and game sense – it’s not forgiving, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Ranger (Sniper Rifle) Damage: 95 | Fire Rate: 45 RPM | Range: Long As Highguard’s only sniper, the Ranger fills an important role. The inability to one-shot headshot puts it at a disadvantage compared to other shooters, but it’s still valuable for long-range pressure and picking off weakened enemies. I’ve used the Ranger effectively when coordinating with teammates who can finish off my damaged targets.
Corsair (Triple-Barrel SMG) Damage: 25 (per burst) | Fire Rate: 600 RPM | Range: Close-Medium The Corsair is an interesting concept that doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The triple-burst mechanism is unique, but the limited ammo capacity and poor ranged performance hold it back. That said, in the right hands, it can be devastating in close-quarters ambushes.
These aren’t traditional weapons, but they’re invaluable for strategic play and base assaults.
Blast Hammer Damage: 150 (impact) + 75 (explosion) | Range: Close The Blast Hammer is Highguard’s ultimate breaching tool. I’ve used it to create unexpected entry points and demolish enemy fortifications. The combination of melee and explosive damage makes it surprisingly effective against grouped enemies too.
Zipline Gun Utility Tool | Range: Variable While it doesn’t deal damage, the Zipline Gun can win matches by enabling superior positioning and team coordination. I’ve created game-winning plays by setting up unexpected flanking routes and quick escapes for my team.
Rocket Launcher Damage: 200 (direct) + 100 (splash) | Range: Medium The Rocket Launcher excels at destroying base structures and clearing entrenched enemies. While its direct damage against players is underwhelming, its area denial capabilities make it valuable for pushing enemies out of defensive positions.
Based on my testing, here are some devastating weapon combinations:
Aggressive Push Loadout: Kraken + Viper Perfect for players who love close-quarters combat. Start with the Kraken for initial engagements, then switch to the Viper for cleanup.
Versatile Mid-Range Loadout: Vanguard + Dynasty This combination covers all medium-range engagements effectively. Use the Vanguard for consistency and switch to the Dynasty when you need that extra damage.
Strategic Assault Loadout: Big Rig + Blast Hammer Ideal for coordinated team pushes. Use the Big Rig for suppression and the Blast Hammer for breaching enemy fortifications.
Movement Shooting: Mastering strafe shooting while maintaining accuracy is crucial. I recommend spending time in the practice range with each weapon to understand their movement penalties.
Recoil Control: Each weapon has a unique recoil pattern. The Vanguard pulls slightly to the right, while the Dynasty has more vertical kick. Learning these patterns will dramatically improve your accuracy.
Weapon Switching: Quick weapon switching can be a lifesaver. I always keep my secondary weapon ready for close-quarters encounters when using long-range primaries.
Close Quarters Maps: Kraken, Viper, Paladin dominate these environments. Focus on weapons with high close-range damage output.
Open Maps: Vanguard, Dynasty, Ranger shine here. Prioritize weapons with effective range and accuracy.
Hybrid Maps: Big Rig, Saber Rifle work well on maps with varied engagement distances. Versatility is key on these layouts.
Based on my experience, Highguard’s meta shifts slightly with each major update, but the core weapon tiers remain relatively stable. Developers tend to make small balance adjustments rather than complete overhauls.
I recommend mastering 2-3 weapons from different tiers and ranges. This versatility will make you more valuable to your team and adaptable to different situations.
Absolutely! While they don’t get traditional kills, Raid Tools can create game-winning opportunities through strategic positioning and base destruction.
Start with the Vanguard – it’s the most forgiving weapon. From there, experiment based on your preferred engagement range. If you love close-quarters action, try the Kraken or Viper. If you prefer holding angles, the Dynasty or Ranger might suit you better.
Highguard’s weapon system offers incredible depth for players willing to invest time in mastering its nuances. While this tier list provides a solid foundation, remember that the “best” weapon ultimately comes down to your personal playstyle and comfort level. I’ve seen players dominate with B-tier weapons simply because they understood them inside and out.
The key to improvement is consistent practice and willingness to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new weapons and strategies – you might discover combinations that work perfectly for your style. Highguard’s meta is still evolving, and players who adapt quickly will have the edge.
What’s your favorite weapon in Highguard? Have you discovered any unique loadout combinations that I haven’t mentioned? Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your journey through Highguard’s weapon meta!
