EDIT (1/31/26): They released a 5v5 game mode and it actually works so well to fix some of my issues with it, wow

In its current state, it's enjoyable but not exactly the most exciting FPS out there because of the "intercept phase", aka the looting phase. The game's free and barely takes up any space, so there's really no harm trying it out and seeing if it's for you.

The team and map sizes feel fine, especially with upgraded saddles and whatever those speed boosting gates are called.

It's just that there's nothing encouraging both teams to fight each other before the shieldbreaker spawns. The air drops do this sometimes, but more often than not, people ignore them. I've had a match where two air drops were on top of one another, completely untouched until the end when I noticed them lmao.

The guns, albeit a bit generic in their types at the moment, actually feel really satisfying to use (except the burst ones, they're not for me), and the warden abilities are incredibly impactful. Solo queue is a mixed bag where quick stomps happen one way or another, but when you get matches where both teams are somewhat competent and working together, the game really starts to click.

I just think the looting portion drags on for a little longer than it should, and cutting down maybe a minute from the wait time before the shieldbreaker spawns or starts spawning would make it feel smoother.

Either that, or add some neutral NPCs alongside the vesper crystals and barrels as alternative sources of loot/money, just so it at least feels a bit more engaging in the pre-raid parts. The actual raiding portion is extremely fun, though walls need a bit of buffing atm because a single purple rocket launcher rips through them like nothing.

Not all that great right now, but far from being godawful as the internet would have you believe. Completely fixable issues, that is if the devs are willing to stick it out despite the overly (and tbh mostly unfounded) negative initial reception. Leaving this as a thumbs up but leaning more towards the middle, because there's no neutral choice on Steam lol.

Full review here[frankgamer.com]

EDIT (1/31/26): They released a 5v5 game mode and it actually works so well to fix some of my issues with it, wow In its current state, it's enjoyable but not exactly the most exciting FPS out there because of the "intercept phase", aka the looting phase. The game's free and barely takes up any space, so there's really no harm trying it out and seeing if it's for you. The team and map sizes feel fine, especially with upgraded saddles and whatever those speed boosting gates are called. It's just that there's nothing encouraging both teams to fight each other before the shieldbreaker spawns. The air drops do this sometimes, but more often than not, people ignore them. I've had a match where two air drops were on top of one another, completely untouched until the end when I noticed them lmao. The guns, albeit a bit generic in their types at the moment, actually feel really satisfying to use (except the burst ones, they're not for me), and the warden abilities are incredibly impactful. Solo queue is a mixed bag where quick stomps happen one way or another, but when you get matches where both teams are somewhat competent and working together, the game really starts to click. I just think the looting portion drags on for a little longer than it should, and cutting down maybe a minute from the wait time before the shieldbreaker spawns or starts spawning would make it feel smoother. Either that, or add some neutral NPCs alongside the vesper crystals and barrels as alternative sources of loot/money, just so it at least feels a bit more engaging in the pre-raid parts. The actual raiding portion is extremely fun, though walls need a bit of buffing atm because a single purple rocket launcher rips through them like nothing. Not all that great right now, but far from being godawful as the internet would have you believe. Completely fixable issues, that is if the devs are willing to stick it out despite the overly (and tbh mostly unfounded) negative initial reception. Leaving this as a thumbs up but leaning more towards the middle, because there's no neutral choice on Steam lol. [url=https://frankgamer.com/2026/01/27/highguard-review-the-most-aggressively-average-fps-of-2026/]Full review here[/url]