Highguard Permanently Adds 5v5 Raid Mode After Early Player Feedback

Highguard has moved quickly to address one of the most common criticisms from its early player base. Just days after launch, developer Wildlight Entertainment has confirmed that 5v5 Raid Mode is now a permanent part of the game, giving players a higher-intensity alternative to the original 3v3 format.

The decision comes after a limited-time test of the mode, and many players believe this change represents what the game should have offered from day one.

🎮 Why 5v5 Raid Mode Matters

One of the biggest complaints surrounding Highguard at launch was that matches felt sparse and lacked intensity. With only 3v3 available, players reported slower pacing and fewer high-action moments.

By expanding team sizes, 5v5 Raid Mode addresses several concerns at once:

Increased on-screen action and engagement
Faster-paced encounters
A better fit for casual, drop-in play
More opportunities for team-based strategies

During its test run, the mode reportedly saw an almost even split in participation between 3v3 and 5v5, signaling strong demand for the larger format.

🧠 Community Reaction So Far

The response from the community has been largely positive. Players across forums and recent reviews have voiced support for the permanent addition, especially for casual play.

Some recurring themes from player feedback include:

5v5 feels more exciting and less empty
Larger teams create more chaotic and fun moments
Casual playlists benefit most from the expanded format

That said, opinions are mixed when it comes to Competitive play. Some players want Competitive to remain strictly 3v3, while others are pushing for both 3v3 and 5v5 ranked options once Competitive playlists go live.

📉 Can This Help Highguard’s Player Count?

Despite the positive reception, Highguard faces an uphill battle. The game has experienced a steep drop in active players since launch, losing a significant portion of its initial audience within the first week.

While adding a permanent 5v5 mode is a strong quality-of-life improvement, it may not be enough on its own to fully reverse the trend. However, it does show that Wildlight Entertainment is paying close attention to feedback and is willing to make fast, meaningful changes.

🗺️ What’s Next for Highguard?

Looking ahead, the developer has already shared plans for ongoing support. Upcoming content is expected to roll out in episodic updates throughout 2026, including:

New Wardens
Additional bases and environments
Expanded weapon and mod systems
Ongoing balance updates

This long-term roadmap suggests that Highguard is being positioned as a continuously evolving live-service title rather than a one-and-done release.

🔚 Final Thoughts

Highguard’s early launch hasn’t been without challenges, but the permanent addition of 5v5 Raid Mode is a clear step in the right direction. It directly addresses one of the loudest community complaints and demonstrates a willingness to adapt quickly.

Whether this update can meaningfully impact the game’s long-term popularity remains to be seen, but it’s an encouraging sign for players who want Highguard to succeed.