After its initial reveal at the 2025 Game Awards, Highguard Finally started at the end of January. The free-to-play raid shooter has a lot of systems for you to discover, and while the game may seem simple at first, it hides layers and layers of complexity once you start spending a few hours on it.
Its tutorial is very useful for learning the basic concepts and functions, but you won't have a real attack until you start playing with other players, you may feel lost in your first games. That's why we've gathered some helpful tips for beginners in Highguard in this guide.
Which character to pick-up
You will find eight characters At the launch of Highguard. When they belong to different archetypes – attack, defense, recon, support – you will find that. Most of them can be played both offensively and defensively without much trouble. Of course you need to have the right equipment.
The thing is, they all have different abilities, yes, but it doesn't really matter how many times you're using them in your first games. You will probably focus on your weaponsAnd abilities will be secondary. Choose someone who looks good on you. But if you need a quick tip, start with someone like Slade, who has a lot of easy abilities
Highguard: Weapon Tier List
Our tier list guide ranks guns by effectiveness at highguard.
Always select the recommended base
If you start playing with a team full of new players, you should Always select the recommended base at the start of the game. It is pre-selected based on your team composition (archetypes and abilities).
There is no other way to learn about all the basics except by playing the games, so you have to put in the time. However, be sure Check out their information and layout When you're about to start a new game — you'll learn about their different parts, distribution and more, letting you make more informed choices as you learn more about Highguard and its characters.
What to retrofit to your building
The first stage of the game asks you to prepare your base and select your loadout. When it comes to the former, You have five tools that allow you to strengthen the wall each (fifteen total, counting from your teammates).
They have many possibilities for what to do, but when playing your first game, don't sweat it — Fortify five adjacent walls for each objective (You can also reinforce two walls of the same column). This will work and stop your enemies from attacking your base for a moment.
To farm crystals or find chests?
Highguard includes two ways to get loot for your character: Cultivating crystals And spend them on merchants Buy weapons and items, or Finding weapons and items in chests With random rewards on the map.
Both tasks require time, and with crystals near chests in some areas, you must decide where to focus most of your time and plan to improve your gear. So, which one is better?
This is the answer There is no clear answer. Based on my experience, I would say that it is always useful Destroy every crystal you can in the initial gear up phase For the same reason: both teams won't be able to find very rare weapons early in the game, so the difference you can make with the weapons you find in chests may not be that big depending on your skills.
So, it's best to save all the currency you can, spend some on armor and your favorite weapon, and then focus on the chests.
The mini-game of breaking crystals with your ax always has the same timing, so take a few games to get used to it and perform it flawlessly every time. When you break one crystal without mistake, you can destroy another with just one blow.
When to use your mount
A unique feature in Highguard is the ability Call and use the mount anytime you want. It can be used for many purposes, but we recommend starting with two things: getting to places faster and escaping.
During the loot phase, you'll want to use your loyal pet Find chests and crystals as quickly as possible. You should use it freely every time here. Then, when it's time to grab the shieldbreaker, you should also summon your mount once you have the sword ready to roll.
Of course, you can become an easy target when you're on your mount, but it's still good to get to your location quickly.
When it's time to chase down an enemy or fight in general… I really don't recommend it. Dueling while mounted on a bear is sick and works better than expected, but you are always at a disadvantage.
Your animal doesn't have much health (unless you get the required item at a high level), is too big to miss shots, and When it collapses, you'll have a few seconds where you're immobile but vulnerable.
If an enemy is holding a Shieldbreaker and you want to follow them, unless you have an advantage on the field, I suggest letting them go. Use your free teleport to the baseAnd then wait outside of it, hiding where your enemies won't see you. This will work better than other plans.
Keep an eye on supply drops
If your team or enemy group survives the attack, Supply drops will begin to appear on the mapStep one per loot. You will see Its icon is marked on the mapAnd you'll have a timer to know when it hits the ground.
While its territory can be problematic because your opposing team may want the same thing as you, the contents of the pack are usually worth the trouble. In addition to several armor pieces, you can find a large rigWhich is probably the best weapon in the game. It's heavy, but its consistency, amount of bullets, and damage make it a no-brainer. You will win many fights with it.
Please note that this is a one-time special weapon, and you will not get it back if you die.
Bait with your bomb
Once you're inside your enemy's base, it's time to set up the bombs. But should you go to generator A, B, or the big anchor all at once?
A standard strategy is to have Three team members go to the same point (whichever you like), plant the bomb, and secure it next to the bomb or close it around. However, if you or your teammates already have some ability with your guns and/or abilities, you should aim Two wardens in one place and the third in another.
Always have at least one thumper charge in your inventory
Thumper charges are explosive objects which you can buy at the trader. You can use them Blow up the walls of buildings Just a few seconds into your enemies base, so it's useful to stockpile. but, You should always save at least one for specific loot sites on the map.
On most maps, you'll find a short area where there are many crystals and chests behind a reinforced closed door or barrier. This entrance can't be destroyed with your ax, but do you know which item can help you? Yes, thumper charge. One will be enough to get into Sput and earn some good tools.
You can also damage this type of door/entrance with a rocket launcher, but a thumper charge is more effective.
Highguard: Episode One War Chest Guide
Here are the best ways to earn each Episode One War Chest reward and Vigil Tokens fast.
