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How to Play as Guards in Ink Game

How to Play as Guards in Ink Game (October 2025) My Complete Strategy Guide

Table Of Contents

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.

What Are Guards 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.

Why I Love Playing as Guards?

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.

How to Excel as a Guard?

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:

1. Master Your Positioning

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:

  • Cover multiple angles of approach
  • Provide clear lines of sight to key objectives
  • Offer escape routes if you get overwhelmed
  • Allow you to support teammates without being exposed

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.

2. Understand Your Role in Team Composition

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:

  • If we have multiple aggressive players, I’ll focus more on defensive positioning
  • If we’re lacking in firepower, I’ll choose a weapon with higher damage output
  • When we have another Guard, I’ll coordinate with them to create overlapping fields of fire

3. Develop Map Awareness

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 LocationCommon Enemy ApproachRecommended Response
Central ZoneFrontal assaultPrepare area denial special
Left FlankSneak attackPlace proximity mines
Right FlankCoordinated pushCall for backup from teammates
High GroundSniper positioningUse verticality to your advantage

Best Guard Weapons and Attachments

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:

S-Tier Guard Weapons

  1. Splatling Pro
  • High damage output with excellent range
  • Perfect for holding choke points
  • Best attachment: Range Booster
  • Ideal for: Defensive playstyles
  1. Dynamo Roller
  • Incredible ink coverage for area denial
  • One-hit splat potential
  • Best attachment: Ink Saver Sub
  • Ideal for: Controlling space
  1. E-liter 4K Scope
  • Long-range dominance
  • Can pick off enemies before they approach
  • Best attachment: Damage Up
  • Ideal for: Maps with long sightlines

A-Tier Guard Weapons

  1. Heavy Splatling
  • Good balance of fire rate and damage
  • Best attachment: Swim Speed Up
  • Ideal for: Versatile playstyles
  1. Sloshing Machine
  • Indirect firing capabilities
  • Great for flushing enemies from cover
  • Best attachment: Special Charge Up
  • Ideal for: Disrupting enemy formations

Weapon Attachments Guide

Attachments can significantly enhance your Guard effectiveness. Here are my recommendations based on playstyle:

PlaystylePrimary AttachmentSecondary AttachmentSpecial Attachment
DefensiveDefense UpInk Resistance UpSpecial Duration Up
AggressiveDamage UpSwim Speed UpSpecial Charge Up
BalancedRun Speed UpInk Saver MainInk Recovery Up

Latest Guard Updates in Ink Game

The October 2025 update brought significant changes to the Guard class that have reshaped the meta. Here’s what you need to know:

Balance Changes

  • Splatling Pro received a 5% decrease in movement speed while charging but gained 10% faster charge time
  • Dynamo Roller now inks a slightly wider path but takes longer to flick
  • E-liter 4K Scope has increased damage falloff at long ranges

New Features

  • Added the “Barrier” special ability exclusive to Guards, which creates a temporary wall of enemy-repelling ink
  • Introduced new Guard-specific gear set with improved defensive stats
  • Added voice lines for better team communication as a Guard

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.

Advanced Guard Tactics

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these advanced techniques will elevate your Guard game to the next level:

1. The Bait and Switch

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!

2. Positional Rotation

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.

3. Ink Management

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:

  • Always keep at least 30% ink in reserve for emergencies
  • Use sub-weapons strategically rather than spamming them
  • Return to friendly ink whenever possible to replenish supplies

4. Psychological Warfare

The mental aspect of playing Guard is often overlooked. I use specific techniques to get inside my opponents’ heads:

  • Predictable patterns that suddenly change
  • Intentional mistakes that lure enemies into traps
  • Aggressive feints that make enemies overcommit

FAQs About Playing as Guards

Q: Are Guards good for beginners in Ink Game?

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.

Q: What’s the best way to counter aggressive enemies as a Guard?

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.

Q: How do I deal with enemy snipers when playing as a Guard?

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.

Q: Can Guards be effective in offensive pushes?

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.

Q: What’s the most underrated Guard weapon in the current meta?

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

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