Developer Wildlight Entertainment has locked in a new 5v5 mode for its shooter Highguard, responding to mixed reception after a rocky launch. The update has improved Steam reviews to 'Mixed,' though concurrent players continue to fall. This change aims to address criticisms of empty maps in the game's larger battles.
Highguard, released on January 26, 2026, following a reveal at The Game Awards 2025, faced immediate backlash due to a nearly marketing-free rollout and negative reviews. The game, an esports-oriented shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, struggled with its mix of gameplay modes that did not always integrate smoothly.
In response, the developer issued a patch ahead of the recent weekend, tackling key criticisms and introducing a limited-time 5v5 mode. This mode aimed to make the large maps feel less empty outside of attack and defense phases, offering a more frenetic and brutal experience. Player feedback proved positive, with Steam reviews shifting to 'Mixed' and positive ratings now outnumbering negatives.
As a result, Wildlight has decided to make the 5v5 queue permanent. However, the game's SteamDB profile shows a downward trend in concurrent players, with 3,157 online at the time of reporting and a 24-hour peak of 8,404. Social media and YouTube discussions remain largely negative, often using Highguard as a target amid broader skepticism toward live-service shooters.
Crossplay features ensure quick matchmaking, suggesting potential stronger interest on consoles, though data there is unavailable. Wildlight has outlined a full-year roadmap, but sustaining the game long-term remains uncertain given the competitive shooter landscape and initial undercooked state. The 5v5 mode provides a promising glimpse of Highguard's potential, if it can build momentum.