In Highguard — Wildlight Entertainment’s fantasy-themed PvP raid shooter — weapon choice and loadout strategy aren’t just afterthoughts: they define your role, how you win fights, and how your squad conquers the legendary Shieldbreaker and enemy bases. Launched on January 26, 2026, Highguard blends FPS gunplay with mounted combat, magic-infused Wardens, and strategic raids for a fresh twist on hero shooters.
In this guide, we break down the 2026 launch meta, weapon tier list backed by playtest data, stats and rarities, and loadout strategies that will help you dominate your matches from Scavenge to Raid.
๐ How This Tier List Works
Weapons are ranked based on:
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Combat Effectiveness: Real-world DPS, damage values, fire rate, and utility from a hands-on playtest.
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Versatility across Match Phases: Scavenge, Intercept, and base Raid usefulness.
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Ease of Use: How forgiving weapons are for beginners vs. high-skill players.
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Role Synergy: How well weapons pair with different Wardens, objectives, or play styles.
๐ Highguard 2026 Weapon Tier List (Launch Meta)
| Tier | Weapon | Archetype | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Dynasty | Assault Rifle | High all-around DPS and range, easy to use |
| S | Ranger | Sniper Rifle | Massive headshot potential, elite range control |
| A | Corsair | SMG (Burst) | Fast DPS, great at shredding players & walls |
| A | Saber Rifle | Assault Rifle (Burst) | High burst damage, precision focused |
| A | Vanguard | Assault Rifle | Most balanced and beginner-friendly AR |
| B | Big Rig | Gatling Gun | Suppression & siege specialization |
| B | Longhorn | Revolver | High single-shot damage, mount control |
| B | Viper | SMG | Reliable close range with easier recoil |
| C | Paladin | Auto Shotgun | High theoretical DPS, limited effective range |
| D | Kraken | Pump Shotgun | Slow, wide pellet spread, situational |
Tiering based on esports.gg’s launch playtest data and combat rankings.
๐ฅ S-Tier & A-Tier Weapon Deep Dive
Dynasty Assault Rifle — The Meta Backbone
Counted among the top weapons due to its balance of accuracy, DPS, and adaptability in all phases of combat. It boasts solid damage and handles well even from a mount — a core part of Highguard’s combat loop.
Best For: Versatile playstyles, mid-range fights, crowd control.
Loadout Tip: Pair with a Scout-oriented Warden to pressure both open fields and close engagements.
Ranger Sniper Rifle — Long-Range Dominance
The only sniper in Highguard’s launch arsenal, Ranger rewards high-skill shots with massive damage output — especially headshots (up to 148 damage). Its range makes it unrivaled for map control and long sightlines.
Weakness: Cannot deal reliable wall damage — rely on Raid tools or teammates for base destruction.
Corsair SMG — Raid & CQB Monster
With one of the highest DPS among SMGs, the Corsair thrives in close-quarters duels and wrecking structures during raids.
Best For: Breach-and-clear roles or aggressive pushes.
Vanguard Assault Rifle — Reliable All-Rounder
Big magazine and stable performance make the Vanguard a go-to for players still mastering recoil and accuracy — especially helpful for defensive or support roles.
๐ซ All Weapons & Stats at a Glance
There are 10 primary combat weapons available at launch — including rifles, SMGs, shotguns, a sniper, and a gatling gun — plus three Raid tools.
๐ Example Stats from Playtest:
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Corsair SMG: Highest SMG DPS but heavy recoil.
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Paladin Shotgun: Highest theoretical DPS but limited effective range.
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Ranger Sniper: Massive long-range damage.
๐ Weapon Rarities & Upgrades
Weapons come in several rarities — White, Blue, Purple, Gold, and Red (care package exclusive) — and rarer guns have stronger mods like faster reloads or reduced recoil.
Pro Tip: Prioritize upgrading to Gold weapons whenever possible for a competitive edge.
๐ง Loadout Strategies & Synergies
๐น Classic Loadout – Balanced Trio
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Primary: Dynasty
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Secondary: Ranger
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Raid Tool: Zipline Gun
Useful for flexible mid-range fights and rotational play.
๐น Aggressive Rush Team
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Primary: Corsair / Saber Rifle
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Secondary: Longhorn
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Raid Tool: Rocket Launcher
Best for decisive breach plays and close engagements.
๐น Defensive Control
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Primary: Vanguard
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Secondary: Ranger
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Raid Tool: Blast Hammer
Ideal for holding territory and providing long sightline pressure.
๐บ Future Meta Evolution & Roadmap
Highguard’s Episode roadmaps will bring:
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New weapons
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New Wardens
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Balance patches
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New maps & gameplay modes
throughout 2026.
This means the launch meta tier list can shift — so stay tuned for updates after each Episode release.
๐ฏ Final Thoughts: Master Your Arsenal
Highguard’s unique blend of tactical weapon use, mount combat, and raid objectives makes loadout choice pivotal. Whether you prefer precision sniping, burst DPS, or mid-range dominance, the right combination of weapons, rarities, and strategy is what elevates your team from Casual to Competitive play.
Now it’s your turn: What’s your favorite weapon combo in 2026 so far? Share your meta builds in the comments!
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