Highguard: The New Multiplayer FPS from Titanfall and Apex Legends Veterans Surprise-Released, But What Do Players Think?

Surprise Launch of Highguard: Achieves Peak Players but Struggles to Retain Them

Highguard, a new free-to-play FPS developed by Wildlight Entertainment (the studio behind Titanfall and Apex Legends), has launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. The release came as a surprise, with little pre-launch marketing or community buildup, despite its announcement at The Game Awards in 2025. This is atypical for free-to-play titles. The surprise launch garnered significant attention, with Highguard reaching a peak of 97,249 concurrent players on Steam, according to SteamDB. While this figure may not rival that of established free-to-play giants like Fortnite or CS2, it is a notable achievement for a new game launched with little fanfare. However, this initial excitement proved short-lived. Following the launch, the number of active players quickly declined to between 36,000 and 38,000—approximately 60% of its peak. Steam user reviews are largely critical, citing technical issues and concerns with the 3v3 format on large maps, although some players appreciate the game's ambition. For Highguard to succeed, Wildlight Entertainment will need to address these issues promptly and cultivate a dedicated player base. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether they can build a lasting player base and avoid the fate of similar titles.

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