Wildlight Entertainment has delivered another significant content drop for its popular free-to-play shooter Highguard, introducing a highly anticipated 5v5 game mode that fans have been eagerly requesting. This substantial update arrives just one day after the previous patch, demonstrating the developer's commitment to regular enhancements.
Limited-Time 5v5 Raid Mode Debuts
The headline feature of this latest Highguard download is undoubtedly the brand new 5v5 Raid Mode, which represents a substantial expansion from the game's traditional 3v3 format. This experimental playlist doesn't replace the existing 3v3 Raids but instead operates alongside them as a separate option for players seeking larger-scale engagements.
Unfortunately, there's a significant catch to this exciting addition - the 5v5 mode will only be available for a limited weekend period, requiring players to act quickly to experience this new gameplay variation. Wildlight has indicated they hope to bring the mode back in the future, but for now, availability is strictly time-limited.
Gameplay Changes and Technical Considerations
The 5v5 Raid Mode introduces several important gameplay adjustments to accommodate the increased player count:
- Raids now feature ten lives instead of the standard six
- Respawn times have been slightly extended to allow for generator planting and defense strategies
- The lobby system has been updated to support five-player parties during the mode's availability
Wildlight has included developer notes acknowledging potential performance implications, stating clearly that adding four additional players to matches won't improve game performance. They've also confirmed that the Firing Range doesn't currently support 5v5 gameplay, so parties exceeding three players will find that option unavailable.
Additional Content and Quality Improvements
Beyond the headline 5v5 addition, this Highguard update brings several other enhancements:
New Soul Well Base
A completely new environment called Soul Well has been introduced and will be added to rotation across all game modes, providing fresh tactical opportunities and visual variety for players.
Performance Optimisations
The update includes significant technical improvements affecting multiple systems:
- Animation performance enhancements
- Projectile system optimisations
- Draw submission time improvements
- Various gameplay system refinements
These optimisations benefit both console and PC players, though the exact frame-rate improvements on PC will vary depending on individual hardware configurations including GPU and CPU capabilities.
Quality of Life Enhancements
Several user experience improvements have been implemented:
- Motion blur toggle now available on both PC and consoles
- Anisotropic materials toggle added for consoles (previously only available on PC)
- Various visual settings enabled across all platforms
This comprehensive update demonstrates Wildlight Entertainment's ongoing dedication to expanding Highguard's gameplay possibilities while addressing technical performance and user experience concerns. The limited-time nature of the 5v5 Raid Mode creates urgency for players to experience this new format while it's available, potentially gathering valuable community feedback for future iterations.
