If you are considering Highguard, you likely want to know whether you can play without paying and when you can get started. This overview gives you clear details on the game’s cost, availability, and basic access.
You will also get a quick sense of what to expect when you enter Highguard’s PvP raid-focused gameplay. The goal is to help you decide if it fits your interests before you jump in.
Is Highguard free to play?
You can download and play Highguard at no cost on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. You start immediately without an upfront purchase. The developer confirmed this during a major industry showcase with full access today.
- Price: Free-to-play
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Access: Download and launch
Is Highguard free?
You can play Highguard without paying for its core experience. All main gameplay systems, modes, and progression remain open to you from the start, with no purchase required.
Wildlight runs the game as a live service. You receive regular content drops across the year, including new maps, characters, weapons, raid tools, and modes. Updates arrive in structured episodes and frequent monthly releases, so your access does not narrow over time.
Cosmetics follow a player-friendly approach. You earn visual items through gameplay rather than power boosts, and none affect combat balance.
| Feature | Cost to You |
|---|---|
| Core gameplay | Free |
| New maps and modes | Free |
| Characters and gear | Free |
| Cosmetic items | Free or optional purchases |
At launch, you also get a free warchest with dozens of cosmetic items, including high-tier skins and emotes for wardens, weapons, and mounts.
Highguard release date
You can play Highguard starting January 26. The launch went live globally on that date, making the full experience available to you.
| Launch date | Availability |
|---|---|
| Jan 26 | Live |
Highguard release time
You can access Highguard at the same global moment, with the launch aligned across regions. The rollout targets late morning in North America and early evening in much of Europe, while parts of Asia-Pacific receive access early the next day.
You should plan downloads ahead of the unlock window, since servers open at the listed times below. If you play outside the Americas or Europe, note the date shift in your region.
| Region | Local launch time |
|---|---|
| Pacific (PT) | 9:00 a.m. |
| Mountain (MT) | 10:00 a.m. |
| Central (CT) | 11:00 a.m. |
| Eastern (ET) | 12:00 p.m. |
| GMT | 5:00 p.m. |
| CET | 6:00 p.m. |
| Japan (JST) | 2:00 a.m. Jan 27 |
| Australia (AET) | 3:00 a.m. Jan 27 |
What to expect in Highguard
You play in three-player squads and choose a warden with distinct tools. You split attention between defending your base and roaming the map for upgrades, weapons, and resources.
- Base management: You reinforce structures and improve defenses to survive repeated attacks.
- Map pressure: You move out to contest loot routes and disrupt rivals.
- Objective play: You can carry the Shieldbreaker to breach an enemy shield and start a raid.
If a targeted base holds, shields reset and the objective respawns elsewhere. Fights intensify as teams adapt and reposition.
| Match Flow | Your Focus |
|---|---|
| Early | Gear up and scout |
| Mid | Raid and counter-raid |
| Late | Protect the final base |