Highguard to Shut Down Just 45 Days After Launch

Highguard, the free-to-play player-versus-player raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, will permanently close on March 12, 2026. The game launched for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on January 26 but failed to maintain a large, long-term player base. Its lifespan of just 45 days surprised many fans.

A Brief Journey for Highguard

Over two million players joined Highguard in its first weeks. Fans shared content, gave feedback, and explored the game world extensively. Despite this enthusiasm, Wildlight Entertainment could not sustain enough players to support the game long term. Earlier in February, the studio laid off several staff members, keeping only a “core group” to continue supporting Highguard.

In an official statement, Wildlight thanked the community for its dedication. The team encouraged players to enjoy the game’s final weeks. “Servers will remain online until March 12. We hope you’ll jump in with us one more time to show your support and get those final great matches in while we still can,” the company said.

Final Update Adds New Features

Before the shutdown, Wildlight plans one last content update. The patch introduces a new Warden, a new weapon, account level progression, and skill trees. Players can experience these features during the game’s final days. Full patch notes will appear soon, giving clear instructions on what the update adds.

Remembering Highguard

Highguard’s closure highlights how competitive the free-to-play shooter market has become. Even with millions of initial players, sustaining engagement proved difficult. The game’s short run underscores the challenge of building long-term communities in competitive genres.

For fans on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the next two weeks offer a final chance to enjoy the game. Players can celebrate Highguard’s unique PvP moments, explore the new update, and savor the action before servers go offline on March 12. While brief, Highguard leaves behind exciting matches and a dedicated player community.

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