Highguard, a free-to-play squad shooter, launched on January 26, 2026, and will be permanently shut down on March 12, 2026, just 45 days after its release. This decision comes from Wildlight Entertainment, the studio behind the game, who cited the inability to build a sustainable player base as the primary reason for the closure.
Despite attracting over 2 million players, Highguard's fate is sealed. The game will receive one final update, adding a new Warden, a new weapon, account level progression, and skill trees, before it goes offline. This update is expected to be released on March 3 or March 4, 2026.
SteamDB data reveals a rapid decline in player activity on PC. The game peaked with 97,249 concurrent players on its launch day, but currently, only 302 players are online, with a 24-hour peak of 460. Highguard is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and players can still enjoy the game until the shutdown.
Wildlight has not announced any refund plans, and the game's cosmetic microtransactions will no longer be available. The studio expressed gratitude for the players' support and involvement in the game's development, acknowledging the passion and hard work of their team.
The closure of Highguard serves as a reminder of the challenges in the gaming industry. With the game shutting down just 45 days after launch, years of effort could potentially go to waste. However, it's a stark reminder that the gaming landscape is ever-evolving, and sometimes, even popular titles face an uncertain future.
