Wildlight Entertainment has revealed the new content arriving in Highguard Episode 2, which introduces the tactical shooter’s ranked mode.
The new update also brings a new playable Warden, in-game map, gameplay changes, and more to the studio’s debut title.
Similar to other live-service shooters, Highguard’s ranked mode will see players acquire points to climb the global ranks and earn rewards.
There are seven ranks in total, each divided into three divisions, ranging from Hare (equivalent of bronze) to as high as Leviathan (equal to grandmaster). Players will receive rewards at the end of an Episode (season), including cosmetic items such as a themed banner frame and a skin for the new wolf mount.
Ranked mode will feature a 3v3 format as opposed to 5v5, with developers sharing that it is a “more tactical structure” and “fits best for comp.” Each episode will have two ranked splits, which will rotate the base and map pools alongside bringing balance changes.
There are a number of modifiers in place in Highguard’s ranked mode. Solo players can earn more points and lose fewer per match. Additionally, a team can earn additional points for win streaks and securing kills during a match.
Ranked mode is unlocked by winning 10 3v3 matches and players who already achieved the target in Episode 1 will gain immediate access to it.
What Else Arrives in Highguard Episode 2?
Headlining the latest update is Highguard’s new Warden, Ekon, who joins the game’s roster of playable characters.
Unlike other Wardens, Ekon does not ride a mount and instead, he transforms into a wolf. This form is faster than mounts, brings a third-person perspective, reveals enemy tracks, and allows Ekon to perform a mid-air dash or bite nearby enemies.
Here is a breakdown of his abilities:
- Passive – Dread
- An enemy is revealed to Ekon when they are at low health, highlighted as a pulsing heartbeat. Ends once eliminated or upon regenerating health.
- Tactical – Wolf Spirit
- Summon a wolf spirit which tracks down the nearest enemy and applies Dread. The wolf can travel through terrain, but can also be destroyed. Can be cast in human or wolf form.
- Ultimate – Fearsome Howl
- Apply Dread to all enemies across the map. Gain increased movement speed. Can be cast in human or wolf form.
The former Apex Legends developers have also shared several gameplay changes made in Episode 2, including tweaks to the gear-up phase in response to community feedback.
Loot has also been improved on map POIs, adding masterwork weapons to red weapon chests. Masterwork weapons have better stats compared to their standard counterparts. White barrels will now emit a gold glow when they contain an ultimate charger. Finally, waypoint markers will lead players to POIs when they leave the base at the start of the gear-up phase.
Additionally, the defensive phase, where players fortify their base before riding out, has been reduced from seconds to 30 seconds. The Anchor Stone fuse time, one of the three objectives a team needs to destroy to win, has been increased from 60 seconds to 80.
Highguard Episode 2 also brings a variety of balance changes, buffing and nerfing Wardens, weapons and items alike.
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