Your heart pounds as the Shieldbreaker hurtles toward the enemy base, your squad right behind you. A hail of plasma fire erupts, tearing through the air. One wrong move, one second of hesitation, and it’s all over. Highguard might seem like another free-to-play shooter, but its blend of MOBA strategy and battle royale thrills demands more than just quick reflexes.
Mastering the Arena: Highguard Basics
Ever watch a chess grandmaster blitz through the opening moves? They’re not just improvising; they’re building on fundamental principles. Highguard is similar. Matches unfold across three distinct phases: fortifying your base, gathering resources in the wild, and launching raids with the Shieldbreaker. It sounds simple, but hidden complexities can be your undoing. Consider these tips less like rules and more like a seasoned player whispering advice in your ear.
That is a simplified explanation of the shooter’s gameplay loop, but of course, there are many other elements to consider. To help narrow down your focus, here are some essential Highguard tips to keep in mind:
Survival Above All Else
In a game as frenetic as Highguard, aggression seems like the only path to victory. However, living to fight another day can be more valuable than a single, hard-fought kill. The game’s short time-to-kill (TTK) means engagements are often decided in a blink. Instead of chasing every firefight, learn when to pull back.
Regenerating health passively allows you to return to the fray stronger, preserving precious respawns. This conserves resources and applies pressure. Is it cowardice? No. It’s resource management.
Vesper is Your Best Friend
Imagine you’re panning for gold. Shiny nuggets (weapons) are tempting, but consistent, focused mining of the core resource (Vesper) yields greater rewards in the long run. In Highguard, Vesper fuels your progress. It buys weapon upgrades, armor enhancements, and powerful raid tools from Trader Flynn. Those crates full of different guns? They’re a distraction.
Chasing new weapons offers a marginal benefit compared to enhancing what you already have. Prioritize Vesper; become rich; dominate.
Is Highguard Pay-to-Win?
Many free-to-play games lure players in with promises and then create a disadvantage for those who don’t spend money. Highguard avoids this trap. While the game offers various cosmetic items and boosts for real money, the core gameplay remains balanced. A skilled player with the default loadout can absolutely defeat a paying player with fancy gear. The game is more about strategic thinking and coordinated teamwork than about who has the deepest pockets.
Loadouts and Team Composition: Building a Winning Strategy
Think of a Formula 1 pit crew: each member has a role, and their combined expertise delivers peak performance. Similarly, selecting the right Warden and base in Highguard is a pre-game minigame with significant ramifications. A balanced team composition maximizes your strengths while minimizing vulnerabilities. A great strategy is already unfolding before you even spawn.
Don’t Underestimate the Default Loadout
It’s human nature to crave something new, something different. Games exploit this instinct. But before you dismiss the starting gear, understand its hidden potential. The Vanguard AR and Kraken Shotgun form a surprisingly potent combination.
The Vanguard offers accuracy and damage at mid-range, while the Kraken is devastating up close. Upgrading these weapons throughout the match provides versatility in combat. Sometimes, the best choice is the one you already have.
Crafting the Ideal Team
Highguard offers eight unique Wardens, each bringing distinct abilities and battlefield roles. Team composition matters. Synergize Warden abilities. A team of high-mobility Assault Wardens thrives on a base with abundant ziplines, while a defensive-minded squad benefits from a base with ample reinforcement options. Select Wardens and bases that complement each other.
Utility Through Raid Tools
Raid Tools obtained from Trader Flynn add another layer of tactical depth to your offensives. Need to bypass a chokepoint? The Zipline Gun creates instant access. Dealing with entrenched defenses? The Rocket Launcher provides demolition. Looking for close-quarters destruction? The Blast Hammer obliterates structures and enemies.
Experiment with Raid Tools and discover how they amplify your playstyle.
These suggestions barely scratch the surface of what Highguard offers. The true depth of its mechanics emerges through experience and experimentation. Will you embrace the challenge and rise through the ranks, or will the intricacies of Highguard leave you behind?