Highguard Last Update Patch Notes

You will see Highguard receive its final update at 4 PM PST on March 4, as Wildlight Entertainment prepares to shut the game down only weeks after launch. The farewell patch rolls out on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, adding account progression, a full skill tree system, a new Warden, and other late-stage content designed to round out the experience before servers go offline.

You may remember the PvP raid shooter closing out last year’s Game Awards, where it earned a surprise spotlight over several high-profile titles. Despite that visibility and a development team made up of veterans from major franchises, the game struggled to build a lasting player base, leading to a swift and unexpected end.

Highguard Set to Release Final Update Later Today

Wildlight Entertainment will deploy Highguard’s last content update today at 4 PM PST on March 4 across all supported platforms. Servers will stay online until March 12, when the free-to-play shooter will permanently go offline.

This patch closes out active development and introduces several new systems and gameplay additions. You will gain access to account-wide progression, a full Skill Tree, a new playable Warden, and a new weapon before service ends.

Player activity has declined sharply since launch. After reaching nearly 100,000 concurrent players on Steam at release, activity later fell to just a few hundred on the platform, signaling limited long-term retention. Console figures remain undisclosed, but overall engagement was not enough to sustain continued operation.

A former senior level designer from Wildlight previously stated that the game’s heavy emphasis on 3v3 competitive modes likely narrowed its appeal. He argued that smaller team formats tend to attract highly competitive players, which can discourage more casual audiences.

Wildlight also confirmed layoffs less than a month after launch. The studio has not announced what will happen to the remaining team once servers shut down.

The final patch focuses on expanding progression and build variety so you can experiment freely during the game’s closing days.

Highguard Final Update Patch Notes

The farewell update adds structured progression, flexible builds, and new combat options. You can level your account, customize playstyles through branching upgrades, and try a new Warden alongside a hybrid shotgun weapon.

Account Leveling System

You now earn XP simply by playing matches. When you return to the lobby, the game converts that XP into account levels and Skill Points.

Every player starts at Level 0, with a maximum level cap of 100.

Skill Point distribution works as follows:

You can invest those 44 points into the Skill Tree, which allows you to fully complete up to two branches if you specialize.

Developers significantly increased XP gain so you can unlock upgrades quickly before shutdown. The system emphasizes accessibility rather than long-term grind.

Skill Tree System

The new Skill Tree introduces four distinct build paths. Each branch supports a different role and contains multiple upgrade nodes, including smaller nodes with two power tiers.

You can remove individual skills at any time. You can also reset your entire build at no cost.

Below is a breakdown of each branch and its gameplay focus.

Raider Path

Choose this path if you want stronger offensive pressure during raids and siege phases.

Focus Areas:

• Increased base assault efficiency
• Combat durability during pushes
• Siege reinforcement bonuses

Examples of Raider Upgrades:

• Infiltration – Extend zipline distance while attacking enemy bases.
• Juggernaut – Gain a temporary overshield after destroying a wall.
• Spearhead – Receive siege-related equipment when your Siege Tower advances.

This branch rewards aggressive positioning and coordinated objective pushes.

Harvester Path

Select this branch if you want to improve resource gain and strengthen axe-based utility.

Focus Areas:

• Faster Vesper collection
• Axe-based utility enhancements
• Field crafting options

Examples of Harvester Upgrades:

• Heavy Swing – Instantly destroy Vesper nodes with a two-handed strike.
• Shatter Orb – Destroy enemy soul orbs using your axe.
• Field Crafting – Craft armor, equipment, and raid tools directly in the field.

This build supports economic momentum and map control through efficient harvesting.

Treasure Hunter Path

Use this branch if you prioritize loot acquisition and item-based advantages.

Focus Areas:

• Improved chest discovery
• Trader interaction
• Artifact enhancements

Examples of Treasure Hunter Upgrades:

• Treasure Seeker – Reveal hidden chests at points of interest.
• Archaeologist – Sell items to Trader Flynn.
• Artifact Mastery – Grant amulets additional magical effects.

This path benefits players who prefer exploration and long-term item scaling.

Protector Path

Adopt this branch if you prefer defense and team support roles.

Focus Areas:

• Base fortification
• Spawn control
• Team sustain

Examples of Protector Upgrades:

• Resonant Walls – Increase durability of reinforced walls.
• Unbreakable Armor – Prevent armor loss on death once every two minutes.
• Vanguard – Allow allies to spawn on you while defending.

Protector builds reward positioning and coordinated team defense.

New Warden: Koldo

The final playable Warden introduced in this update is Koldo, a soul bound to armor and tied to Highguard’s lost past.

Koldo functions as a defensive support character who strengthens allies and secures objectives.

Passive – Guardian Angel

• Protect nearby friendly soul orbs from destruction.
• Automatically deploy a shield while reviving teammates.

Tactical – Soul Shield

• Deploy a protective shield that covers you and nearby allies.

Ultimate – Battle Cry

• Plant a standard that generates a protective dome.
• Pick up and reposition the standard as needed.
• Allies inside the dome regenerate health faster.

Koldo excels at stabilizing team fights and anchoring defensive positions.

New Weapon: Switchback Shotgun

The update adds the Switchback, a long-range double-barrel shotgun that shifts roles depending on how you use it.

Core Mechanics:

• Hipfire functions like a traditional shotgun.
• Aiming down sights converts it into a marksman-style rifle.
• Two rapid shots fire before rechambering.
• You can pace shots for sustained output.

This dual-mode design allows you to adapt mid-fight between close-quarters engagements and mid-range precision.

Gold Variants

You can find two enhanced versions of the Switchback in loot chests or purchase them from Trader Flynn:

• Basebreaker
• Repeater

These variants provide elevated performance compared to the standard version.

Game Information

You can access all of this content beginning today. After March 12, servers will go offline permanently, ending all online functionality.