Highguard Raid Mode Explained

Highguard isn't your typical shooter. Instead of chasing kills in endless deathmatches, you're fighting for territory through structured raid objectives. This PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment flips the script on competitive FPS gameplay by combining objective-based combat with full-scale base sieges.

Here's the thing: winning in Highguard requires understanding its unique two-phase structure. You'll start by battling for control of the Shieldbreaker artifact, then transition into an intense base raid where coordination matters more than raw aim. If you're coming from traditional shooters or battle royales, check out our Highguard Beginners Guide to understand the core mechanics before diving into raid strategies.

What Makes Raid Mode Different?

Raid Mode represents a significant departure from standard competitive shooters. You're not playing to be the last team standing or reaching a kill threshold. Instead, matches unfold across two distinct phases that demand different strategies and team compositions.

The first phase focuses on securing map control and capturing the Shieldbreaker, a mystical artifact that grants access to enemy territory. Once your team controls this objective, the match shifts dramatically. You'll transition from open-field combat to a structured assault on the enemy's fortified base, complete with generators to sabotage and defensive positions to overcome.

Two-Phase Structure

Phase 1: Shieldbreaker Control

• Battle across the mythical continent for artifact possession
• Secure loot from chests to upgrade your loadout
• Eliminate enemies to prevent their progress
• Coordinate with your Warden crew for map dominance

Phase 2: Base Assault

• Plant the Shieldbreaker to initiate the raid
• Breach enemy defenses using the Domesplitter
• Sabotage generators to weaken base integrity
• Destroy the Anchor Stone to claim victory

Shieldbreaker deployment screen

How to Secure the Shieldbreaker

The Shieldbreaker spawns at a central location on each map. What most players miss is that controlling the surrounding territory matters just as much as grabbing the artifact itself. You'll want to establish defensive positions before attempting the capture.

Effective Capture Strategies:

1. Scout the spawn location using Recon Wardens before committing
2. Clear nearby chests for gear upgrades during the approach
3. Establish crossfire positions covering multiple entry points
4. Assign roles: Two players capture while others defend
5. Prepare escape routes for when you secure the artifact

Your team composition significantly impacts Shieldbreaker control. Defensive Wardens excel at holding capture points, while Assault Wardens push aggressive enemies back. Support Wardens keep your team healthy during extended firefights around the objective.

Pro Tip: The team holding the Shieldbreaker becomes a visible target. Don't camp the artifact carrier—spread out to create multiple threats and prevent team wipes.

Executing Successful Base Raids

Once you've planted the Shieldbreaker, the real challenge begins. Enemy bases feature multiple defensive layers, from iron walls to fortified generator rooms. You'll need to breach systematically while managing respawning defenders.

Generator Sabotage Tactics

Each base contains generators that power defensive systems. Sabotaging these weakens the base structure and creates entry points for your team. The key here is coordinating simultaneous sabotage attempts—defenders can't be everywhere at once.

Generator Priority System:

Destruction Wardens shine during generator sabotage phases. Their abilities let them quickly tear through defensive structures, creating chaos that your team can exploit. For optimal performance during these intense moments, check our Highguard Best PC Settings guide to ensure smooth framerates.

Breaking Through Iron Walls

Iron walls represent the toughest obstacles you'll face during raids. Standard weapons barely scratch them, which is where specialized equipment becomes crucial. The BigRig LMG destroys iron walls efficiently—you'll want at least one squad member carrying this weapon during base assaults.

Wall Destruction Methods:

• BigRig LMG: Three sustained bursts per wall section
• Explosive Abilities: Destruction Warden ultimates
• Domesplitter: Creates temporary breach points
• Coordinated Fire: Multiple players focusing one section

Defending Against Enemy Raids

When enemies plant their Shieldbreaker at your base, you're fighting against the clock. Successful defense requires quick thinking and smart positioning around your generator network.

Defensive Priorities:

1. Defuse generators immediately when sabotage begins (20-second window)
2. Collapse on breach points rather than spreading thin
3. Use Ultimate Powers to wipe attacking teams during critical moments
4. Protect the Anchor Stone as the final objective
5. Communicate defender respawn timings for coordinated pushes

The Overtime mechanic becomes your last stand opportunity. If you wipe the entire attacking team during Overtime, you win the match regardless of base damage. This creates incredible comeback potential when defenders coordinate their ultimates.

Warden Class Roles in Raid Mode

Your class selection dramatically impacts raid effectiveness. Each Warden archetype fills specific roles during both Shieldbreaker capture and base assault phases.

Assault Wardens lead charges and create entry opportunities. Their aggressive abilities excel at pushing defenders off objectives and securing initial breaches.

Defensive Wardens hold captured territory and protect teammates during generator sabotage. They're essential for maintaining forward positions inside enemy bases.

Recon Wardens provide intelligence on enemy positions and defender rotations. Use their abilities to identify weak points in base defenses before committing to breaches.

Support Wardens keep aggressive pushes alive through healing and utility. They're crucial during extended firefights around generator rooms.

Destruction Wardens tear through fortifications and create chaos. Their wall-breaking capabilities make them mandatory for serious raid attempts.

Advanced Raid Tactics

Speed Running Strategies:

Winning matches under 10 minutes requires aggressive Shieldbreaker capture and immediate raid execution. Your team needs to:

1. Rush Shieldbreaker spawn with minimal looting
2. Plant immediately upon capture
3. Execute pre-planned generator sabotage routes
4. Ignore defenders when possible, focusing on objectives

Anchor Stone Focus:

The One Shot, One Kill achievement highlights an alternative victory condition—destroying the Anchor Stone without sabotaging generators. This high-risk strategy works when:

• Your team has overwhelming firepower
• Defenders commit too heavily to generator protection
• You coordinate simultaneous ultimate abilities on the Anchor Stone

Overtime Dominance:

Matches reaching Overtime shift to elimination-focused gameplay. The Lambs to the Slaughter achievement rewards teams who consistently wipe opponents during these critical moments. Save your strongest abilities for Overtime scenarios.

Common Raid Mode Mistakes

Overcommitting to Kills: Raid Mode rewards objective play over kill counts. Chasing eliminations while ignoring generators loses matches.

Poor Vesper Management: Spending all your currency early prevents crucial late-game upgrades. Budget for at least 77 Vesper in reserve.

Ignoring Soul Orbs: Destroying enemy soul orbs (the Soul Eater achievement) prevents quick respawns and maintains numerical advantages.

Solo Raiding: Even the best individual player can't solo a fortified base. Coordinate with your crew or lose.

Neglecting Mount Control: Allowing enemies free mounted movement creates defensive nightmares. Prioritize dismounting opponents.

For more information about Highguard's development and community reception, see Highguard Launch Nears After Game Awards Backlash.

Mastering the Raid

Highguard's Raid Mode demands a completely different mindset than traditional competitive shooters. You're not farming kills—you're executing coordinated objectives against intelligent opposition. Success requires understanding both phases, coordinating class abilities, and managing the loot economy efficiently.

The teams that dominate Raid Mode are those who communicate constantly, adapt their strategies mid-match, and recognize when to push objectives versus when to secure positioning. With the game launching as free-to-play on January 26, 2026, you'll have plenty of opportunities to refine these skills.

Start by mastering one Warden class, learn the generator layouts on each map, and practice coordinated pushes with your regular squad. The mechanical skills from other shooters transfer, but the strategic depth requires dedicated practice. See you on the battlefield, Warden.