The loading screen flickered, the tension ratcheting up as your squad prepped for breach. Intel whispered of a weapons cache ripe for the taking, but rumors also buzzed about enhanced security protocols. One wrong move meant a swift digital demise, underscoring the importance of sidearm selection. In Highguard, choosing the right weapon is everything.
Highguard boasts a well-considered arsenal of 13 weapons, each offering a distinctly different combat profile. While some first-person shooters bury you under an avalanche of options, Highguard smartly limits the field, forcing you to learn the nuances of each piece. This focused approach means the difference between an SMG and a Raid Tool isn’t just academic; it’s a question of survival, making it critical to prioritize the right upgrades during a match.
To get the most out of your deployments, I’ve been putting in hours at the firing range, cataloging and comparing. Here’s a breakdown of the Highguard arsenal to give you a competitive advantage.
Decoding Highguard’s Arsenal: The Tier List
Ever notice how some tools in a workshop just feel “right” in your hand? Same goes for weapons in Highguard. Of the 13 available—including the specialized Raid Tools—some clearly outshine others. Here’s the definitive hierarchy:
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S | Vanguard, Kraken, Big Rig |
| A | Paladin, Dynasty, Viper |
| B | Longhorn, Saber Rifle, Ranger, Corsair |
| C (Raid Tools) | Blast Hammer, Zipline Gun, Rocket Launcher |
Whether you favor aggressive Wardens or a more measured approach to map control, selecting weapons from the upper tiers is a surefire way to swing the odds in your favor. Here’s what each tier signifies:
- S-tier: These are the game’s undisputed kings. Prioritize them from the get-go.
- A-tier: Excellent weapons, but each has at least one notable drawback preventing it from reaching the apex.
- B-tier: Functional but unexceptional, or catering to very specific play styles. Burst rifles are a prime example: powerful in practiced hands, punishing otherwise.
- C-tier: Designated Raid Tools, these are utility-focused and shine in specific scenarios, particularly during base assaults. Their lower ranking reflects their specialized application, not a lack of value.
What Makes a Gun S-Tier in Highguard?
S-Tier weapons in Highguard are not simply good; they are force multipliers. These guns give you an undeniable advantage, demanding the attention of any serious player.
S-Tier Highguard Weapons
The elite, the cream, the tip of the spear—these are the weapons that define dominance in Highguard.
| Weapon Name | Overview |
|---|---|
| Vanguard | The Vanguard is the quintessential all-purpose assault rifle, delivering consistent performance across diverse combat scenarios. What sets it apart is its blend of precision and damage, making it exceptionally user-friendly. |
| Kraken | The Kraken trades versatility for sheer, unadulterated power at close quarters. Its wide spread turns tight corridors into kill zones, making it the top choice for aggressive CQB specialists. |
| Big Rig | The Big Rig lives up to its name, offering the highest magazine capacity in the game. Sustained fire from this LMG can shred enemies and even damage structures, but be prepared to sacrifice some agility for all that firepower. |
A-Tier Highguard Weapons
These guns pack a punch but demand more finesse or are hamstrung by specific limitations.
| Weapon Name | Overview |
|---|---|
| Paladin | The Paladin is a solid automatic shotgun. While it may lack the Kraken’s raw stopping power, its faster fire rate makes it more forgiving and adaptable. |
| Dynasty | The Dynasty is Highguard’s answer to the classic AK-47 archetype. It hits harder than the Vanguard but demands more recoil control. The choice boils down to damage versus handling. |
| Viper | The Viper is a rapid-fire SMG with a reload animation that’s as stylish as it is fast. In close quarters, it’s devastating. But its effectiveness drops off sharply as the distance increases. |
B-Tier Highguard Weapons
These weapons carve out niche roles or introduce unique firing mechanics that won’t appeal to everyone.
| Weapon Name | Overview |
|---|---|
| Longhorn | The Longhorn is a stylish revolver for those who favor precision headshots. However, its slow reload and fire rate make it a liability in Highguard’s frenetic firefights. |
| Saber Rifle | The Saber Rifle fires in bursts, but with an unusual delay between each burst. While each burst packs a punch, missed shots can leave you vulnerable. |
| Ranger | As the game’s only sniper rifle, the Ranger fulfills its role adequately. However, its inability to score one-shot kills puts dedicated snipers at a distinct disadvantage. |
| Corsair | A triple-barrelled burst SMG sounds devastating, but the Corsair is held back by a small magazine and mediocre range. |
C-Tier Highguard Weapons
The C-tier is reserved for Raid Tools, specialized weapons bought with Vesper. These are less about direct combat and more about altering the battlefield.
| Weapon Name | Overview |
|---|---|
| Blast Hammer | This sledgehammer, fitted with explosive charges, obliterates both enemies and fortifications. |
| Zipline Gun | The Zipline Gun creates instant traversal options, enabling creative flanking maneuvers and rapid repositioning. |
| Rocket Launcher | The standard-issue Rocket Launcher excels at destroying base reinforcements, though its anti-personnel capabilities are somewhat lacking. |
That concludes the launch-day Highguard weapons breakdown. As the meta evolves and new tools are introduced, I’ll be sure to update this list. Remember, a tier list is just a starting point.
How Many Guns Are in Highguard?
Highguard presents a curated selection of 13 weapons, a number that includes the three Raid Tools focused on utility rather than direct combat. It’s a Goldilocks number: enough to provide tactical diversity without overwhelming new players.
What’s the Best Way to Learn a New Weapon?
Beyond simply reading stats, practice in a controlled environment. Spend time in training modes to internalize recoil patterns, effective ranges, and reload speeds. Watch professional players, like those on the Complexity roster, to see how they employ different weapons in high-stakes scenarios. As Sun Tzu said, knowing yourself and knowing your enemy is the key to victory, a lesson applicable whether you’re playing Highguard or commanding armies.
Ultimately, weapon choice is a personal affair. Are you willing to buck the meta and master a B-tier weapon for the sheer satisfaction of it?