The bomb was planted. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I sprinted, the siren a banshee wail in my ears, knowing one wrong step meant digital oblivion. Choosing the right Warden in Highguard isn’t just about skills; it’s about surviving that split-second decision when everything is on the line. This updated tier list reflects the shifting strategies in Episode One, so you can dominate in February 2026.
Highguard has thrown players into a new world, packed with unique characters. More than just powerful weapons or intricate maps, the Wardens *are* Highguard, defining your moment-to-moment experience.
If you want to know which Highguard Wardens perform best in Episode One, here’s a full tier list of every character available in this new raid shooter.
Editor’s Note: This tier list was last updated on January 29, 2026.
Best Characters in Highguard – Wardens Tier List
Highguard features eight Wardens, each bringing a unique combination of Passive, Tactical, and Ultimate abilities. I’ve organized every Warden into three tiers:
| Tier | Wardens |
|---|---|
| S | Atticus, Scarlet |
| A | Kai, Mara, Redmane |
| B | Slade, Condor |
| C | Una |
S-Tier Characters in Highguard
Ever notice how some players just *click* with a character, instantly dominating? The S-Tier Wardens in Highguard provide a similar experience: balance, damage, and versatility that shines in almost any situation. These characters aren’t just good; they’re game-changers.
Atticus
Atticus Abilities
- Shockspear (Tactical)
- Supercharged Axe (Passive)
- Powerstorm (Ultimate)
Atticus, the poster child for Highguard, is an Assault-class Warden who earns his spot through sheer versatility. He adapts to every phase, from the initial Gear Up to the final Raid. His Supercharged Axe speeds up Vesper farming, leading to better gear for battle. He truly shines during Overtime when respawns are disabled, forcing enemies out of cover.
However, even with his versatility, Atticus isn’t invincible. Kai can use ice barriers to defend against Atticus’s pressure and reinforce walls. Mara’s Immortal Coil respawn beacon negates the impact of team wipes, while his Ultimate leaves him vulnerable. A coordinated team can take him down with focused fire.
Scarlet
Scarlet Abilities
- Sandstorm (Tactical)
- Shifting Sands (Passive)
- Whirling Blades (Ultimate)
Scarlet is Highguard’s aggressive assassin, with a kit that rewards skilled players. Her passive, Shifting Sands, is arguably the most powerful utility, turning destructible walls into passable barriers. During raids, Scarlet can sneak into the enemy base and plant bombs before they even notice.
While she excels in stealth and defense, Condor’s reconnaissance bird can expose Scarlet, even when cloaked. Kai can use Frozen Repair to trap Scarlet, while his ultimate can absorb her damage and block escape.
A-Tier Characters in Highguard
A-Tier Wardens pack a punch, but have shortcomings that keep them from the top spot. Think of them as specialists: brilliant in the right situation, but less flexible overall.
Kai
Kai Abilities
- Ice Wall (Tactical)
- Frozen Repair (Passive)
- Frost Giant (Ultimate)
Kai, the first A-Tier Warden, is a defensive anchor. He lacks aggressive play potential, but his ice kit maintains base integrity and denies areas. Kai provides rolling cover during offensive pushes and objective contests, creating instant safety zones. His Ultimate makes him a great tank.
However, Kai can be countered by characters built around destruction, like Redmane, who can smash through Kai’s ice faster than he can repair them. Atticus’ ultimate, used at the right angle, bypasses Kai’s defenses.
Mara
Mara Abilities
- Soul Armor (Tactical)
- Sacrifice (Passive)
- Immortal Core (Ultimate)
Mara is Highguard’s essential support character, a force multiplier, not a raw power player. She provides overshields and harvests enemy Soul Orbs to reduce ability cooldowns. Mara excels during deep-base sieges; her Immortal Coil keeps her team in the fight and eliminates travel time.
Mara is vulnerable to Atticus, whose lightning strikes can stun her and bypass her setups. Redmane can also counter her with AoE damage, scattering her team. Mara requires timing and precision; coordinated attacks can starve her of soul energy.
Redmane
Redmane Abilities
- Pounce (Tactical)
- Enraged (Passive)
- Beast’s Roar (Ultimate)
Redmane is Highguard’s destruction specialist, a siege engine designed to break through fortifications. His Pounce grants high mobility, and he can quickly eliminate enemies to gain movement buffs. Redmane is a battering ram; a one-Warden wrecking crew.
Despite his power, Condor can use her Eyes in the Sky to reveal his location before he surprises the enemy. Atticus can stun Redmane during leaps, leaving him open to damage. Redmane’s niche limits his overall ranking for some players.
B-Tier Characters in Highguard
B-Tier Wardens in Highguard are situational, demanding a strict playstyle with limited flexibility for offense or defense. They can shine, but the stars need to align.
Slade
Slade Abilities
- Heatwave (Tactical)
- Firebomb (Passive)
- Firestorm (Ultimate)
Slade is a formidable Assault character with high damage potential, but his reliance on specific environments gives him a niche status. His pyrotechnic kit makes him a tactical pusher, forcing enemies out of cover and blocking access. He excels in tight corridors, using fire to buy his team time.
However, Kai’s ice barriers absorb Slade’s fire and impact his momentum. Scarlet bypasses Slade’s zones using stealth, eliminating him while he manages chokepoints. While effective in Shieldbreaker locations, Slade struggles to impact fights from range.
Condor
People also ask: How does Condor support the team in Highguard?
Condor Abilities
- Eyes in the Sky (Tactical)
- Hunter’s Instinct (Passive)
- Soaring Guardian (Ultimate)
Condor, the best Recon Warden, is an asset when planning attacks, but her kit prioritizes intelligence over damage. She can excel on maps like Summit, avoiding snipers hiding on different levels. Condor is an early warning system; giving her team the informational advantage.
Condor lacks mobility or defense and can be countered by Assault Wardens like Atticus, who can attack from unexpected angles. Redmane can close the distance and eliminate her before she escapes. Condor is invaluable, but her lack of self-defense places her in B-Tier.
C-Tier Characters in Highguard
C-Tier Wardens in Highguard have perks, but shouldn’t be a player’s first pick. Mastering them requires dedication, but the payoff is often minimal.
Una
People also ask: What makes Una a challenging Warden to play effectively?
Una Abilities
- Forest Wisps (Tactical)
- Helping Hand (Passive)
- Tree Walker (Ultimate)
Una, with perhaps the coolest design, offers a summoner playstyle as a Defensive character. However, she’s overshadowed by Kai, who provides better structural protection. Una pressures chokepoints and secures loot using her Helping Hand, but lacks long-term tactical advantages.
Atticus’s electrical attacks bypass her Forest Wisps. Slade’s pyrotechnics make Una’s Wisps unusable, eliminating them before they spawn. All this lands Una in C-Tier; her playstyle is more about disruption than damage.
What if Wildlight Entertainment reworks Una’s kit in the next update—would you give her another shot?