To say Highguard has had a rocky begin can be placing it frivolously, however studio Wildlight Entertainment isn’t giving up on its embattled multiplayer shooter so simply. The first of Highguard’s main deliberate updates drops on February 2, lower than two weeks after the sport launched, bringing with it a brand new map, new playable Warden, a ranked mode, and many extra.The Season 2 replace was revealed at launch as a part of Highguard’s bold 2026 roadmap, and Wildlight has it able to go proper at first of its promised replace window. The largest new addition on this replace is new Warden Ekon, who joins the eight Wardens already on Highguard’s roster. Instead of using a mount into battle, Ekon is a shapeshifter who turns into a strong direwolf, boasting greater velocity than any of the sport’s mounts with the intention to run down mounted enemies.If you need to get wolfy with out Ekon, Highguard has additionally added a brand-new wolf mount out there without spending a dime to all gamers.The new replace additionally introduces a model new map known as Skydrift, a location that includes historical stone ruins, large chain bridges, and a fort floating above the clouds. The map can be added to the rotation for each 3v3 and the extra not too long ago added 5v5.Highguard can also be getting a ranked mode for the primary time–and in contrast to the brand new map, ranked play will solely be out there for 3v3 matches for now. “We believe 3v3 is the more tactical structure of the game and fits best for comp,” Wildlight explains however provides that the studio can be monitoring suggestions, that means it is doable that ranked might shift to 5v5 play in future.The replace features a handful of different new additions, in addition to quality-of-life adjustments, and bug fixes. Since its launch on January 26, Highguard has already seen quite a lot of fast updates focusing on participant suggestions, together with quality-of-life updates and the much-requested 5v5 recreation mode. Wildlight has stated it has plans for frequent content material updates, with Apex Legends veterans on the staff having discovered their lesson from that launch.While Highguard’s Steam participant numbers noticed a small spike when 5v5 was launched, participant numbers have continued to dwindle since then. Wildlight is nonetheless constructive in regards to the outlook of its new recreation, with its devs expressing confidence within the recreation’s longevity. Wildlight’s studio head has additionally stated it would not matter how many individuals play the sport, so long as the individuals enjoying it are having a great time.For what it is value, Highguard appears to have discovered at the very least a small base of gamers who’re having fun with the sport’s distinctive tackle the multiplayer raid shooter, with each social media replies and Steam evaluations displaying extra optimism about Highguard’s potential.Check out the complete patch notes from the Episode 2 replace under:Highguard Episode 2 Patch NotesA NEW WARDEN ARRIVES—EKONDread (Passive)Reveal the heartbeat of wounded enemies. Once an enemy Warden is low well being, they’re highlighted in pulsing beats till they’re useless, or their well being regenerates.Wolf Spirit (Tactical)Unleash a spirit wolf to hunt the closest enemy and apply Dread. This Wolf Spirit travels lengthy distances, transferring straight by way of rocks and constructions to search out its prey. If seen in time, it may be shot down. This capacity will be forged in human kind, or in Wolf kind.Fearsome Howl (Ultimate)Apply Dread to all enemies throughout the map and improve your motion velocity. This capacity will be forged in human kind, or in Wolf kind.Wolf FormEkon doesn’t trip an animal into battle, he turns into one—reworking into a strong direwolf that tracks, hunts, and runs down mounted enemies. While on this kind, Ekon’s velocity is unmatched by different mounts. Through a full third-person standpoint, the direwolf can see round cowl. When transferring in for an assault, weapons are laid down in favor of Ekon’s lethal chunk assault, which can sprint ahead and chunk a prey earlier than instantly reworking again to human kind to complete off the job. Attacking and not using a goal will enable Ekon to carry out a small air sprint to traverse maps extra athletically. In addition, whereas in Wolf Form, Ekon can observe an enemy’s scent that they depart of their path. Ekon can use all of his different powers whereas in Wolf Form.SKYDRIFTSkydrift is added to the map rotation in 3v3 and 5v5.RANKED MODEGain Ranked Points (RP), earn level modifiers and climb the ranks to say your rewards. Go from Bronze (Hare) to Grandmaster (Leviathan) in case you’ve acquired what it takes!Visit the Headwall menu in recreation to see extra data.Ranked ConstructionThe format for Ranked is 3v3We consider 3v3 is the extra tactical construction of the sport and suits finest for comp. We will monitor suggestions as we get it.Each episode could have 2 Ranked Splits. Splits will change the map and base record, and introduce some stability adjustments.All gamers begin Ranked for the primary time in Bronze 3.Each Rank has 3 Divisions.There are 7 RanksBronze (Hare)Silver (Goat)Gold (Ape)Platinum (Dire Wolf)Diamond (Gryphon)Master (Manticore)Grandmaster (Leviathan)At the tip of every Episode, you may be rewarded primarily based on the Rank you achieved on the finish of the Episode.De-Ranking: You can solely de-rank inside a Division throughout a Split. For instance, by dropping matches you may de-rank from Gold 2 into Gold 3, however you can not de-rank from Gold 3 into Silver 1.At the beginning of each Split, you’ll not de-rank in any respect. At the beginning of each Episode, you’ll transfer backwards 6 Divisions (2 full Ranks)EquityPlay with teammates as much as 2 tiers differenceA two particular person get together should be inside +/- 1 tier of every otherA full get together of 3 can combine any ranks and have the ability to play. You will queue into the Rank of the highest Ranked participant.Solo Bonus: If you’re enjoying and not using a get together, you’ll earn the Solo modifier (particulars under). You’ll achieve extra factors and lose much less per match.Loss Protection: You accrue loss safety for taking part in matches during. It will get robotically spent to cease you from dropping RP.Early Leaver Penalty is extra extreme in Ranked. Leaving early counts as 2 strikes and resets your Loss Protection.Scoring SystemWe suppose in case you win massive, you must rating massive. Victory has 3 variations, earlier than the modifiers are utilized.Overwhelming Victory: 25 RPThis is successful with 100% base well being remainingVictory: 20 RPThis is commonplace victory the place every staff was extra evenly matchedClose Victory: 15 RPThis is successful the place your base had 35% base well being or much less remainingFor defeat:Defeat: -25 RPIf you misplaced with out doing harm to the enemy staff.Strong Defense: -20 RPIf you misplaced, however had completed some harm to the enemy staff.Close Defeat: -15 RPIf you misplaced, however had completed at the very least 65% harm to the enemy staff.Other modifiers:Winning Streak Bonus: provides 3 RP for every win in a row, as much as 6 further factors per recreation.Kill Bonus: Earn further RP for kills, as much as a cap of 5 factors per recreation.Solo Bonus: Always earn an additional 4 factors if queuing up solo.Imbalance ProtectionIf a recreation is deemed imbalance by participant ranks:The favored staff could have much less factors to win and extra factors to loseThe weaker staff could have elevated factors to win, and fewer factors to loseRequirementsIn order to unlock Ranked Mode, you will need to Win 10 matches of 3v3 Raid Mode.This is retroactive. If you’ve already received 10 matches in Episode 1, Ranked Mode can be unlocked instantly.MapsThe Ranked Mode playlist could have a subset of maps and bases per Split.We will change the record each break up to maintain the rotation attention-grabbing, however enable time to construct constant methods.The first Split could have maps Kingdom, Summit and Rivermark, and bases Hellmouth, Smuggler’s Den, King’s Lair, Soul Well, Frosthold and Wellspring.As extra bases get added to the sport, we predict having a complete of 6 bases in Ranked permits gamers to grasp sure bases and construct aggressive methods over a Split, however nonetheless must grasp greater than 1 base as a result of your first decide received’t at all times be out there.RewardsEpisodic Reward: Ranked gamers will earn a model new beauty merchandise known as Banner Frames.You can be awarded the Frame that matches the Rank you achieved within the Episode.Frames develop in status at greater Ranks!Every Episode will earn a brand new themed Banner Frame. This Episode’s theme is Ekon and the Wolf and can be awarded at first of Episode 3.WOLF MOUNTLoyal pack hunter of the wild.The new wolf mount is free to all gamers.Try Ranked Challenge: Play 10 matches of Ranked to earn the Shadow Wolf pores and skin.GEAR UP PHASE UPDATESOne constant level of suggestions we’ve heard is that the Gear Phase wants enhancements. We’re tackling that in 4 methods for the launch of Episode 2, and we’ll proceed to work on that section sooner or later.Better POI LootRed Weapon Chests in POIs now include Masterwork weapons.Masterwork weapons have improved stats inside their rarity. Blue Masterworks are higher than Blues, however nonetheless much less high quality than Purple. Players can nonetheless loot upgraded weapons exterior of POIs, however the Masterwork variations of weapons every spherical are solely present in POIs.Ultimate ChargersThese gadgets are present in white barrels in POIs, however we’ve seen that gamers are having a tough time figuring out that. In order to make that clear, white barrels that include Ultimate Chargers now have an apparent gold glow.Waypoint MarkersWhen you allow your base within the gear section, waypoint icons will information gamers in direction of the Points of Interest. They’re additionally pingable so gamers can talk intent with out voice comms.The map may even talk that POIs include Masterwork Weapons and Ultimate Chargers.Speed GatesSpeed Gates are at all times on when a participant is close to them, as a substitute of solely when a Shieldbreaker is current.This ought to enable gamers to get again to fights after respawning,QUALITY OF LIFE & NEW FEATURESStats 1.0Players need stats! For Episode 2 we’ve got added a Stats menu to Headwall. The stats tracked listed here are principally retroactive from Episode 1. Raid Attack and Defense success stats are new for Episode 2, as we’re simply now beginning to observe these stats. We will proceed to develop this function in future episodes.New Orange Weapon Mods:We will proceed to combine up orange weapon mods. For Episode 2, we’re including selection and never eradicating something.Saber Rifle – Impact RoundsIncreased important harm (headshots) with a slower price of fireplace. Fires a two shot burst as a substitute of three. Faster projectile velocity.Vanguard – Drum MagazineMuch bigger journal, with a slower reload.Corsair – DoubleshotFire a 12 spherical burst on every set off pullTechnical UpdatesFrom the final patch, efficiency optimizations have been utilized to participant replication, motion netcode, and siege tower rendering.Users can now allow NVIDIA Reflex on supported programs.Several optimizations have been added to cut back bandwidth utilization.Gameplay Updates:The Defensive Phase at first of the sport has been diminished to 30 seconds from 60.Anchor Stones fuse timers have been elevated to 80 seconds from 60.Dev notice: The purpose right here is to make Anchor Stones a bit more durable to win onWe’ve added your Kills and Assists to the HUD above the minimap.Many zipline usability enhancements, together with smoother attaching and using, and making it more durable to by chance connectPlayers can now have a most of 4 ziplines. When casting the fifth, their first one will robotically destroyImprovements to mantle really feelYou can be prompted to drop the BigRig when it will get to low or zero ammoUpon being revived, you now get a touch to faucet the emote button to say “Thank You”. As a byproduct your character will not robotically say thanks.Pinged orange weapons will now present the perk whenever you hover on themYou can now ping ziplinesYou can now ping Mara darkspawn when it’s highlighted by way of partitions (on the finish of a raid)You can now ping Kai’s ice wallPinging a Shieldbreaker or Domesplitter plant level now has extra particular ping VO primarily based on the state of affairs.The finish recreation podium will now spotlight individuals who had the very best stats on their staffSmugglers Den minimap has been up to date to be extra correctAdjusted the ultimate Shieldbreaker plant animation to take precisely so long as a standard oneThe Trader menu will darken and replace if his inventory adjustments whilst you have the menu openDev notice: This is to cut back by chance buying one thing proper because the inventory is upgrading.Dead gamers not present up on the minimapDev notice: This appeared complicated and redundant with having the ability to see a participant’s orb by way of partitions.Adjusted Mara’s Soul Armor energy description to incorporate that it additionally works on enemy gamers (so watch out the place you throw it)Added key bindings on PC for Map Screen, Character Info and LoadoutAFK timer in a match has been diminished from 5 minutes to 4Firing Range targets have been changed with new variations that keep open so you may check sustained fireFiring Range can now accommodate events of as much as 5 playersLobby/Menu Updates:Added an possibility to go away the get together by clicking on get together member’s social cardYou now get a message confirming that you simply despatched a Friend RequestSlider bars within the settings menu can now be adjusted by typing in numbersChanging your controller profile will now spotlight what buttons are alteringYou can now unblock gamers in your Social tabWeapon Updates:VanguardSlightly slowing price of fireplace and elevating harm. TTK is almost equal. This simply reduces the variety of bullets required to killIncreased headshot multiplierLonghornRepeater – Less vertical kick, quicker increase time, quicker dash increase time, much less unfold (hipfire), slower unfold bloom (hipfire)Viper – Impact RoundsSmaller magazine dimensionMore kickItem Updates:Amulet: Bomb EquipmentBomb plant time nerfed (2.5s -> 3s). Defuse time remains to be 2.5s.Amulet: Harvester not drops bonus Ultimate Chargers from White Supply Barrels.Slightly lowered the highest velocity of orange Saddles.Character Updates:SladeFixed a bug the place the impression harm from his Ultimate was not dealing harm on uneven terrain.Adding good friend/foe identification to Slade’s VFXs. Enemy hearth will now tackle a darker purple look.RedmaneRedmane can now break flooring he’s standing on together with his tacticalRedmane’s tactical now hits gamers extra reliably.Leaping into strong geo with Redmane will drop him to the bottom quicker, as a substitute of bouncing off and floating down.MaraMara will now dismount robotically when casting Immortal Coil whereas mounted, as a substitute of getting an error message.UnaImproved Una minion goal acquisition velocity (they need to shoot at gamers quicker)Fixed Una minions having bigger hitboxes than meant.AtticusAdjusted Atticus’s Ultimate audio to not be occluded by geo. This means you may hear him higher in his energetic Ultimate state even when he’s in one other room.Quest:The Quest is designed to be a set of adverse challenges to finish over the course of an Episode for some free rewards and bragging rights. Because Episode 1 was solely 2 weeks lengthy, we determined to maintain the Episode 1 Quest energetic by way of Episode 2. We’ll be again in Episode 3 with extra challenges and extra rewards.Bug Fixes:Fixed a bug the place characters with motion velocity bonuses might double-dip on slide boostsFixed situations the place you’d generally get got rid of the zipline when respawningFixed some points the place the Play button can be unresponsiveFixed a problem the place loot in chests would present highlights for various raritiesFixed a bug the place the Care Package was dropping too low of degree loot within the third gear up section and past.Fixed a problem the place Emote anti-peek wasn’t hiding enemy mountsFixed a problem the place you may respawn together with your preliminary loadout when dying to environmental hazards like lavaFixed collision points on DustlineFixed a number of methods to interrupt Training by leaping and climbing over partitionsFixed some incorrect key bindings within the UIImproved the reliability of voice chat iconsFixed a problem the place the Shieldbreaker would generally drop in inaccessible locations in case you tried to enter your personal baseRemoved the flexibility to drop the Shieldbreaker on prime of the enemy dome (how cheeky)Fixed uncommon instances the place “Position Revealed” would keep in your display screen lengthy after a raid was overFixed a problem the place urgent Esc to go away the Social menu would cancel matchmakingFixed a problem the place Slade’s arms wouldn’t reset after dropping his Hot StreakFixed capacity to restore massive gates in basesFixed Condor working in place when she makes use of her Ultimate Power whereas runningReduced the quantity of display screen the Longhorn Repeater covers whereas leaping and firingFixed some invisible collision blocking bullets above banners on Wellspring baseFixed some instances of your participant having a 3rd armMulti-Lock Rocket Launcher will not goal bushesFixed mounts not enjoying correct water audio and fx when working by way of itFixed capacity for gamers to ping when using a ziplineRemoved the flexibility to position Mara’s Immortal Coil on open doorwaysFixed the zipline gun colliding with air in some areas of SummitFixed Blast Hammers from doing splash harm behind you when usedPlayers are not detected by Condor’s tactical when standing nonetheless on their mountFixed Una summoning a Tree Walker in mid air by using a ziplineFixed some areas in Wellspring base the place you’d get kicked off your mountFixed a problem the place you’d hit your self with a rocket if fired whereas working full velocity on a mountImproved recreation efficiency when mounting or dismountingImproved some translations for various languages, each in textual content and VOAdded localized translations for various languages within the Advanced Training videoFixed the Crossplay setting not saving when modified to off on consolesFixed uncommon instances the place your controls can be unresponsive after utilizing a mount emoteFixed a bug that may trigger ambient audio to drop outFixed a bug the place mouse and controller sensitivity settings weren’t being utilized appropriately whereas transitioning between hipfire and ADSResolved a bug the place DLSS presets didn’t instantly seem or disappear within the Settings menu after modifying the antialiasing mode.
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