
If you’ve been struggling to make an impact as a Guard in Ink Game, you’re not alone. When I first started playing this role, I felt like I was just a sitting duck waiting to be splatted. But after hundreds of hours perfecting my craft, I’ve discovered that Guards are actually the backbone of any winning team. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about mastering this crucial position in Ink Game.
Guards in Ink Game are the defensive specialists who control key areas of the map and protect their teammates from enemy advances. Unlike the more mobile classes, Guards excel at holding ground and creating safe zones for their team to operate in.
In the current meta, Guards have become increasingly important as maps have evolved to include more choke points and defensive positions. The Guard class was introduced in the 2.5 update and has since undergone several balance changes that have shaped its current playstyle.
Guards have higher health pools than other classes but move more slowly. They specialize in area denial and protecting objectives, making them essential for game modes like Tower Control and Rainmaker.
I’ll admit it I wasn’t always a Guard main. In fact, I started my Ink Game journey as an aggressive Frontliner, constantly pushing forward and trying to make flashy plays. But after too many matches where my team would lose ground despite my efforts, I decided to give the Guard class a try.
What I discovered completely changed my perspective on the game. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching an enemy push crumble against your well-placed defenses. I’ve found that playing as a Guard requires a different kind of skill—one that values patience, positioning, and prediction over pure reflexes.
My most memorable moment as a Guard came during a ranked match on Port Mackerel. With just 30 seconds left, the enemy team was pushing our zone hard. I positioned myself at the narrow choke point, using my special ability to create a barrier of ink that none of them could cross. We held on and won the match, and I received more than a dozen friend requests from impressed players.
Becoming an effective Guard requires more than just picking the right weapons it’s about understanding your role and executing it perfectly. Here’s my step-by-step approach to dominating as a Guard:
The first thing I learned is that where you stand is more important than what you shoot. As a Guard, you need to position yourself in locations that:
My favorite positions vary by map, but I always look for high ground with good coverage. On stages like Moray Towers, I’ll take the middle platform, while on maps like Walleye Warehouse, I prefer the area near the central conveyor belt.
Guards work best when they complement their team’s strengths. I always check my team’s composition before the match starts and adjust my playstyle accordingly:
Great Guards have an almost supernatural sense of what’s happening across the entire map. I’ve trained myself to constantly check the minimap and anticipate enemy movements based on ink coverage and teammate positions.
Here’s a table I created to help track enemy patterns:
Map Location | Common Enemy Approach | Recommended Response |
---|---|---|
Central Zone | Frontal assault | Prepare area denial special |
Left Flank | Sneak attack | Place proximity mines |
Right Flank | Coordinated push | Call for backup from teammates |
High Ground | Sniper positioning | Use verticality to your advantage |
The right weapon can make or break your Guard experience. After extensive testing, I’ve identified the top weapons for Guards in the current meta:
Attachments can significantly enhance your Guard effectiveness. Here are my recommendations based on playstyle:
Playstyle | Primary Attachment | Secondary Attachment | Special Attachment |
---|---|---|---|
Defensive | Defense Up | Ink Resistance Up | Special Duration Up |
Aggressive | Damage Up | Swim Speed Up | Special Charge Up |
Balanced | Run Speed Up | Ink Saver Main | Ink Recovery Up |
The October 2025 update brought significant changes to the Guard class that have reshaped the meta. Here’s what you need to know:
These changes have made Guards more specialized but also more team-dependent. I’ve found that success in the current meta requires even better coordination with teammates than before.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these advanced techniques will elevate your Guard game to the next level:
This is one of my favorite tactics when playing against aggressive teams. I’ll intentionally leave what appears to be an opening in my defense, then use my special ability when enemies try to exploit it. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch three or four enemies get caught in the trap!
Static Guards are easy targets. I constantly move between pre-planned defensive positions to keep enemies guessing. This technique is especially effective in longer matches where opponents start to learn your patterns.
Advanced Guards understand that ink is your most valuable resource. I’ve developed a system for ink management that allows me to maintain pressure without running dry:
The mental aspect of playing Guard is often overlooked. I use specific techniques to get inside my opponents’ heads:
A: While Guards have higher health and can be more forgiving, they require good map awareness and positioning skills. I recommend starting with a more mobile class first to learn the maps, then transitioning to Guard once you understand the flow of battle.
A: I find that patience is key. Let them come to you and use the environment to your advantage. Choke points are your best friend against aggressive players.
A: Use ink to create visual barriers and move unpredictably. If a sniper is giving you trouble, I suggest adjusting your position to use cover more effectively or asking a teammate to deal with them.
A: Absolutely! While primarily defensive, Guards can provide excellent support during pushes by creating safe paths and covering advancing teammates. I often join pushes once I’ve secured our defensive position.
A: In my opinion, the Slosher is severely underrated. Its ability to hit enemies behind cover makes it incredibly versatile, and many players don’t know how to counter it effectively.
Playing as a Guard in Ink Game has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my gaming career. There’s nothing quite like being the foundation that your team builds upon, the immovable object against which enemy attacks break. I hope these strategies help you find the same success and enjoyment that I’ve found.
Have you tried these techniques? What’s your favorite Guard weapon or strategy? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
For more Ink Game strategies, check out our Beginner’s Guide and Weapons Tier List.