Highguard enables a permanent 5v5 Raid mode based on player feedback

Based on player feedback, developer Wildlight Entertainment has permanently added the 5v5 Raid Mode High Guardian. While the game has only been out for about a week, the number of players has dropped by more than 80% since launch. Time will tell if this new change helps bring players back High Guardian.

As the last big announcement at The Game Awards 2025, High Guardian seen by millions of players worldwide. Unfortunately, initial reception to the game was mixed at best. Many players were disappointed that the focus at the end of one of the biggest gaming events of the year was given to a live service game. Controversy was compounded as some believed that the PvP raid shooter might fail like the PlayStation Concord. However, High Guardian was released on January 26, and many players shared their thoughts on the shooter online. One of the common complaints was that the matches felt empty because there was only a 3v3 option. Fortunately, Wildlight Entertainment heard the complaints and made a change.

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Highguard makes 5v5 Raid mode permanent

In a post on social media, the developer revealed that a 5v5 Raid Mode has been permanently added, offering another option for players who want more action. This news comes after the mode was added for a limited time as part of an experimental playlist for High Guardian. According to Wildlight Entertainment, this test was successful, with a “fairly even split” between 3v3 and 5v5 modes over the weekend. This influenced the decision to make the new regime permanent. “You asked and we're happy to share – 5v5 Raid mode is here to stay,” the developer post said.

Unsurprisingly, the community's reception to this change has been overwhelmingly positive. Players have posted their opinions on Reddit and even in recent reviews on Steam, noting that they prefer 5v5 matches. Among the comments, many enjoyed the larger squad size for occasional matches, noting that it provided more action. However, others have suggested that Wildlight Entertainment should keep their Competitive playlist as 3v3 when it comes out in the future. That being said, others were hoping the developer would offer 3v3 and 5v5 options for Competitive as well.

It will be interesting to see how it affects the permanent 5v5 mode High Guardian in the coming weeks. While reception has been positive, it may take more than a new mode to significantly increase player numbers. At the time of writing, the game has 8,318 players on Steam, according to SteamDB data. This is drastically down from the game's all-time high of 97,249 players at launch. It is worth pointing out High Guardian it's available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, so the total number of players could be a bit higher. Regardless, the game lost a significant number of players shortly after launch.

Despite these discouraging player numbers, Wildlight Entertainment has big plans for the game in the coming weeks. The developer has already released a post-launch plan High Guardianwhich gives players an idea of what to expect. Specifically, the content will be released in episodes that will take place throughout the year 2026. These episodes will include new Wardens, bases, weapons, mods, and more.

Who is that character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who is that character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s) Medium (5.0s) Hard (2.5s) Permadeath (2.5s)

While Highgaurd faced with the negativity surrounding the launch, the developer seems committed to supporting the game for at least the rest of the year. Plus, it's nice to see the game getting quick changes to address fan feedback. It will be interesting to see what other adjustments are made High Guardian and if they can help increase its popularity.