Highguard, the new free-to-play PvP raid shooter developed by Wildlight, experienced a significant launch on Steam with over 97,000 concurrent players. However, the initial excitement quickly turned to disappointment as the game garnered a "mostly negative" reception, with only 32% of 14,500 user reviews being positive. Players have criticized the game's design, claiming the map is too vast and empty for its 3v3 format, and noted boredom during resource-gathering phases. In contrast, the raid phase received some praise, though many players expressed dissatisfaction with the limited differentiation among characters and the game’s visuals. Wildlight has hinted at a roadmap for future content, aiming to improve player sentiment and retention amidst the competitive live-service landscape.

What are the main criticisms of Highguard's gameplay?

The central criticisms of Highguard's gameplay include its vast, empty maps that do not suit the 3v3 format, tedious resource-gathering phases, and lack of character diversity. Many players feel these elements contribute to a lack of excitement, although the raid phase was noted as a more engaging aspect of gameplay.

Highguard marks an ambitious entry into the crowded arena of free-to-play shooters. This genre has seen a surge in popularity alongside other notable titles, and competition remains fierce. As a new title embracing a live-service model, its success will largely depend on how well it can adapt and address community feedback in forthcoming updates.