Highguard’s Final Stand: Massive Farewell Update Arrives Just Days Before Shutdown

Highguard Drops One Last Major Update Before Its Servers Go Dark

Highguard’s journey is nearing its final chapter. The multiplayer title from Wildlight Entertainment will officially go offline on March 12, barely more than a month after its troubled launch. But before the servers shut down, the small group of developers still supporting the game has delivered one final – and surprisingly massive – update.

The patch, launching tonight at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET, introduces several features that players might have expected at launch, including account progression, a full skill tree, a brand-new weapon, and a new playable Warden.

Despite the game’s impending shutdown, the update gives remaining players one last opportunity to dive into fresh content during Highguard’s final weekend.

A Farewell Message From The Developers

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Wildlight acknowledged the game’s short lifespan while expressing gratitude to its remaining community.

“For our final patch, we’d like to thank everyone who has played and is still playing Highguard,” Wildlight shared in an article posted to X. “Even though we are shutting the game down, we are excited to give our remaining players one last big update to keep you entertained over the weekend. Thanks again for playing with us. Enjoy!”

The announcement prompted some players to question why such major features weren’t available when the game launched.

Chad Grenier responded with a candid explanation about the realities of game development under pressure:

“When you’re out of time and money – you have to release a game with the runway you have available and hope players will stick with you post-launch,” Grenier explained.

Introducing “The Farewell Tour” Update

The final update, titled “The Farewell Tour,” doesn’t include traditional patch notes. Instead, the developers shared a detailed overview of the new systems arriving with the update.

Account Progression System

Players can now level up their accounts by playing matches and earning XP. Every level gained rewards skill points, which can be spent within the game’s new skill tree.

The account level cap is set at 100, although the developers haven’t revealed exactly how much XP is required to reach that limi – or whether it’s realistically achievable before the servers shut down.

A New Skill Tree With Four Playstyles

The update also introduces a skill tree designed around four distinct playstyles, allowing players to customize their progression path.

According to Wildlight:

“The Skill Tree is designed for players to build out their upgrades in 4 distinct playstyles,” Wildlight shared. “Each branch has a variety of options for players to choose from, with 2 tiers of power on all small nodes.”

The four skill branches include:

Raider

Focused on raid dominance and combat efficiency, Raider abilities help players stay aggressive and powerful during battles.

Harvester

This path boosts Vesper collection and the strength of the Warden Axe, making it ideal for players who prioritize resource farming.

Treasure Hunter

Perfect for loot-focused players who want to maximize rewards and discoveries across the map.

Protector

Designed for team-oriented players who enjoy defending allies and maintaining group cohesion during fights.

Importantly, the system allows players to mix and match abilities from different branches, rather than locking them into a single playstyle.

Meet Koldo: Highguard’s Final Playable Warden

The biggest addition in the farewell update is Koldo, the newest Warden joining the roster.

Wildlight describes the character as a mysterious armored figure—essentially a wandering soul bound to a suit of armor, reminiscent of Alphonse Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist.

According to the developers:

“Koldo was discovered on Highguard,” Wildlight explained. “A lost soul from long before the continent disappeared, trapped inside a suit of armor, he searches for answers to his past. Koldo uses the power of his soul to protect his allies.”

Koldo’s Abilities

Passive – Guardian Angel

• Protects nearby friendly orbs from destruction
• Automatically deploys a shield while reviving teammates

Tactical – Soul Shield

• Deploys a protective shield for both Koldo and nearby allies

Ultimate – Battle Cry

• Raises a standard that generates a protective dome
• The banner can be carried and repositioned
• Allies inside the dome regenerate health faster

A Passion Project From A Skeleton Crew

Interestingly, the farewell update wasn’t something the studio was required to deliver.

Jason McCord revealed on X that the update came directly from the dedication of the remaining developers still working on the project.

“This is our final update and it’s big,” McCord shared on X. “Props to the skeleton crew at Wildlight for wanting to finish it and ship it to our remaining players, even if it only gets played by a few thousand people. They weren’t asked to. They asked if they could finish it up and get it out there.”

Even with Highguard’s servers shutting down soon, the team’s final update stands as a last send-off for the community that stuck around.