Editing News/Highguard Decimated at Launch

{{News
|seo_title=Highguard Decimated at Launch
|seo_keywords=Highguard
|image=Highguard1.jpg
|tags=Highguard
|date=2026-01-27T06:13:07.000Z
|sources={{NewsSource
|source=PC Gamer
|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/we-dont-need-player-counts-to-be-super-huge-in-order-to-be-successful-highguard-devs-respond-to-posters-declaring-it-dead-on-arrival/
|article=News/Highguard Decimated at Launch
}}
|author=Andura
|category=Drama
|content=Highguard, the free-to-play PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, hit the scene on January 26, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Billed as an innovative 3v3 experience blending hero shooter action with raiding mechanics, destructible environments, and rideable mounts, the game arrived after building hype from its reveal at The Game Awards 2025. Unfortunately, launch day brought a storm of problems that quickly tanked its reception, especially on Steam.

Right out of the gate, players ran into massive server overloads that kept many from even logging in or starting matches. Once inside, PC users frequently complained about poor performance, with stuttering framerates and optimization struggles even on high-end hardware. These technical hiccups set a frustrating tone before anyone could fully judge the core gameplay.

Adding to the chaos were wild rumors linking the game to controversial streamer DrDisrespect. He posted about attending a supposed preview event, but the developers firmly denied any involvement or invitation, calling it baseless. The false claims only amplified the early negativity swirling online.

By January 27, Steam's review section told a grim story. Highguard sits at Mostly Negative, with 13,625 user reviews total and just 30% positive. That means the overwhelming majority of feedback leans thumbs down. Earlier snapshots showed even harsher numbers, dipping into Overwhelmingly Negative territory with percentages as low as 17-18% positive when review counts were lower. Player peaks hit nearly 98,000 concurrent users shortly after launch, proving strong initial interest, but that curiosity hasn't translated to lasting approval.

Digging into the reviews reveals a mix of genuine criticism and less constructive noise. Some players hit the game with vague attacks over it looking "woke," which often comes across as trolling. Far more consistent are complaints about the design itself. The huge maps feel empty and mismatched with only three players per side, leading to slow pacing and long stretches of nothing happening during looting phases.

One reviewer put it plainly: "The maps in this game are way too big for 3v3; the size would fit better for 5v5 or 6v6." Another echoed that sentiment: "In the looting stage, the map is too big and empty considering it’s only 3v3, and the only things in it are red and blue chests (and the crystals i guess)." A third added: "The 3v3 format on such a huge map just doesn’t click for me, and the overall experience becomes chaotic without bringing anything new to the table."

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}}