Highguard System Requirements & Performance Guide (2026): Fix FPS, Optimize Your PC & Conquer Every Raid

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Highguard officially launched on January 26, 2026, delivering a high-stakes 3v3 "raid shooter" experience that mixes PvP with PvE-style looting and strategic objectives. But before you mount up and charge into battle, a critical question looms: can your PC handle it?

Despite the hype, launch day has been turbulent. Community forums and Reddit threads report widespread FPS issues, stuttering, and server problems, even on high-end hardware. From inconsistent frame rates to broken in-game settings, players have struggled to enjoy the raid experience.

This guide will break down the official system requirements, show you common launch-day issues, provide advanced fixes, and deliver performance optimization tips to ensure your Highguard gameplay is smooth and competitive.

✅ Highguard Official PC System Requirements (2026)

Highguard System Requirements & Performance Guide

RequirementMinimum SpecificationRecommended Specification
OSWindows 10 (64-bit)Windows 11 (64-bit)
CPUIntel Core i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen R5 1600Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
RAM8 GB12 GB
GPUNVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB / AMD RX 580 8GBNVIDIA RTX 2080 8GB / AMD RX 6650 XT 8GB
DirectXVersion 12Version 12
Storage25 GB SSD25 GB NVMe SSD
AdditionalSecure Boot + TPM 2.0Secure Boot + TPM 2.0

Important Note: Highguard uses Easy Anti-Cheat, which requires Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled in your BIOS. Missing this requirement is the #1 cause of launch failures.

🚨 Highguard's Launch-Day Performance Reality

Even players with top-tier PCs report problems:

  • RTX 4090 at 4K High with DLSS: 80–100 FPS, unstable dips.

  • RTX 5080/5090 + Ryzen 9 9800X3D: Severe stuttering, often unplayable.

  • RTX 3060 Ti at 1080p Medium: FPS can drop below 60 during combat.

This confirms that optimization issues are widespread and require manual adjustments to achieve smooth gameplay.

🔧 Essential Fixes for Major Launch Problems

1. FPS Locked at 60 or 120

Problem: In-game FPS limiter broken.

Fix:

  1. Go to C:\Users\[YOUR_USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Highguard\Saved\Config\WindowsClient\

  2. Open GameUserSettings.ini.

  3. Change FrameRateLimit= to your desired cap (e.g., 0 for unlimited, 165).

  4. Save and set the file to Read-Only.

2. Blurry Graphics or Forced Upscaling

Problem: Render resolution bugged; DLSS/TSR issues.

Fixes:

  • Disable Anti-Aliasing/Upscaling: AntialiasingMode=None in GameUserSettings.ini.

  • Advanced Engine Tweaks: Edit Engine.ini to force native resolution and disable upscalers.

3. Severe Stuttering on High-End Systems

Potential Workarounds:

  • Cap FPS to a stable number using the .ini file.

  • Ensure GPU drivers, Windows, and BIOS are updated.

  • Close non-essential apps (especially overlays or RGB controllers).

🖥️ Performance Optimization Tips

In-Game Settings for Maximum FPS

  • Lower Priority: Shadows, Post-Processing Quality, Anti-Aliasing.

  • Must Disable: Motion Blur.

  • Experiment: Texture Quality (Medium for <8GB VRAM), Resolution Scale (slight reduction boosts FPS).

GPU & System Tweaks

  • Drivers: Keep GPU and chipset drivers updated.

  • NVIDIA Control Panel: Power Management = "Prefer Maximum Performance", Low Latency Mode = "Ultra".

  • Windows: Enable Game Mode, disable Game Bar, set Power Plan = High Performance.

Network Stability

  • Use wired Ethernet.

  • Pause downloads or streaming during gameplay.

  • Consider router QoS settings to prioritize Highguard traffic.

✅ Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Task                    Action
BIOSEnable Secure Boot & TPM 2.0
DriversUpdate GPU, chipset, and Windows
Config FilesCheck FPS, AA, and resolution fixes in .ini files
GraphicsLower Shadows, Post-Processing; disable Motion Blur
NetworkWired connection; pause background apps

⚠️ Final Verdict: Launch is Rough, But Fixable

Highguard's 3v3 raid loop is engaging, but the current launch performance is a barrier for many. By manually fixing broken settings, optimizing your system, and applying the tips above, you can unlock a stable and competitive gameplay experience.

The developers at Wildlight Entertainment have acknowledged the performance issues and plan optimizations in future patches. Until then, these steps are the best way to ensure your Warden abilities execute smoothly and your team can dominate raids. 

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