Wildlight, the developers of the recently launched free-to-play raid shooter Highguard, have made a notable move by introducing a 5v5 mode. This change arrives just days after the game saw a significant decline in its player base, according to data from SteamDB. The studio is clearly aiming to address community feedback and re-energize the game's early days.
Responding to Community Feedback
Here's the thing: Highguard initially launched with a 3v3 mode, which many players found to be too small-scale and intense. Chan Grenier, Wildlight's studio head and game director, hinted at a "big update" on social media, leading to the eventual reveal of the new 5v5 option. The official Highguard account later confirmed the experimental mode, stating, "We heard the feedback." This new mode will run for a limited time as a separate playlist, preserving the original 3v3 for those who prefer it.
Important
The 5v5 mode is currently a limited-time experiment, and Wildlight has noted that players might encounter some performance issues due to the increased player count.
Key Changes in the Update
* New 5v5 Raid Mode: A larger team-based combat experience. * Separate Playlist: The 5v5 mode exists alongside the original 3v3. * Increased Party Size: Players can now form parties of up to five while the new mode is active. * Performance Warning: Developers acknowledge potential performance fluctuations with more players.
The Road Ahead for Highguard
Highguard's launch was met with mixed reactions. While it saw an initial surge, nearly reaching 100,000 concurrent players, this number quickly dwindled. Negative reviews on Steam have highlighted concerns about the game's core experience, particularly the original 3v3 format. What most players miss is that the right team size can drastically alter the tactical depth and engagement of a shooter.
Pro tip: Trying out the 5v5 mode could offer a fresh perspective on Highguard's larger maps, potentially adding more excitement and reducing the pressure on individual player performance that characterized the 3v3 format.
Background on Highguard's Launch
Highguard was first teased at the 2025 Game Awards, generating some initial buzz. However, a period of silence following the announcement led to widespread speculation and criticism online. Upon its release, the game struggled to maintain its early player numbers, facing a wave of negative feedback regarding various aspects, including its initial team size and overall gameplay loop. The key here is that developer responsiveness to early player feedback can be crucial for a live-service game's longevity.
Sources: Kotaku
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What prompted Wildlight to add a 5v5 mode to Highguard? Wildlight added the 5v5 mode in direct response to player feedback indicating that the original 3v3 mode felt too small and intense, leading to a drop in player engagement.
Is the 5v5 mode a permanent addition to Highguard? The 5v5 mode is currently a limited-time experiment. Wildlight is using this period to gather data and feedback before making a decision on its permanent status.
How does this change impact existing 3v3 players? The 3v3 Raid mode remains available as a separate playlist, so players who enjoy the original format can continue playing it. The 5v5 mode is an additional option, not a replacement.
