The finish is near for the fantasy realm of Highguard. Wildlight Entertainment announced this week that its player-versus-player (PvP) extraction game will permanently shut down on March 12, 2026. But before the servers go dark, the studio is delivering one final, substantial update – dubbed the “Farewell Tour” – packed with new content designed to supply players a memorable sendoff. This update introduces a new Warden character, a versatile new weapon, a revamped skill tree system, and account progression, offering a final burst of gameplay for the game’s dedicated community.
Launched with a unique, shadow-drop approach in January 2026, Highguard quickly attracted over 2 million players, according to Wildlight. Yet, the game struggled to maintain a sustainable player base, a challenge that ultimately led to the hard decision to cease operations, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz. The closure follows reports of significant layoffs within the studio, suggesting financial difficulties stemming from unmet performance metrics, potentially linked to funding from Tencent’s TiMi Studio Group.
The Farewell Tour update isn’t simply a cosmetic patch. it represents a significant injection of new gameplay elements. Players eager to experience everything Highguard has to offer before the final curtain call will find a wealth of new options to explore. The core of the update revolves around four key additions: Koldo, the new Warden; the Switchback weapon; a comprehensive Skill Tree overhaul; and Account Progression.
New Guardian: Koldo Arrives
The newest addition to the roster of Wardens is Koldo, a character designed to support and protect allies. Koldo’s abilities center around defensive capabilities. His passive ability, “Guardian,” automatically shields friendly orbs and deploys a protective barrier when reviving teammates. His tactical ability, “Soul Shield,” provides a shield for both the player and their allies. Finally, Koldo’s ultimate ability, “Battle Cry,” raises a standard that creates a protective dome, offering faster health regeneration to those within its radius.
The Switchback: A Weapon of Versatility
Players will as well have access to a brand-new weapon: the Switchback. This unique firearm offers remarkable versatility, functioning as both a shotgun in hipfire mode and a marksman rifle when aiming down the sights. Its double-barrel design allows for rapid-fire shots, though players can also choose to pace their shots for sustained fire. Two gold versions of the Switchback, “Basebreaker” and “Repeater,” will be available through loot chests and Trader Flynn, offering enhanced capabilities for skilled players.
Skill Tree Overhaul: Customize Your Playstyle
The Farewell Tour update introduces a completely revamped Skill Tree system, allowing players to deeply customize their Warden’s abilities and playstyle. The Skill Tree is divided into four distinct branches, each catering to a different approach to gameplay.
- Raider: Focused on maximizing effectiveness during raids, offering buffs and abilities geared towards combat efficiency, including enhanced zipline travel and temporary overshields.
- Harvester: Designed for players who prioritize gathering Vesper and enhancing their Warden Axe, with abilities that instantly destroy Vesper Nodes and facilitate battlefield crafting.
- Treasure Hunter: Caters to those who enjoy exploration and looting, providing abilities to locate hidden chests, sell items to Trader Flynn, and enhance amulet properties.
- Protector: Geared towards players who prefer a defensive role, bolstering wall durability, preventing armor loss upon death, and allowing allies to spawn near the player during base defense.
Each branch offers a variety of upgrade options, with two tiers of power on all small nodes, allowing for a high degree of customization.
Account Progression: Level Up and Earn Rewards
For the first time, Highguard will feature Account Progression. Players will now earn experience points simply by playing the game, leveling up their account and unlocking Skill Points to spend in the new Skill Tree. Accounts will commence at level 0 and can reach level 100. The first level grants 5 Skill Points, with subsequent levels awarding 1 Skill Point each up to level 40, totaling 44 points to spend, allowing players to fully specialize in up to two skill trees.
The Farewell Tour update represents a final gesture of appreciation from Wildlight to its player base. While the shutdown of Highguard marks the end of an era, the developers hope players will enjoy this last opportunity to experience the game and its new features before the servers are switched off. As IGN reported, the servers will remain online until March 12, 2026, giving players a limited time to participate in the Farewell Tour.
Players interested in learning more about the update and the future of Wildlight are encouraged to follow the studio’s announcements on their official channels. The studio has not yet detailed its future plans following the closure of Highguard, but the Farewell Tour update serves as a poignant reminder of the game’s potential and the community that rallied around it.
If you or someone you understand is struggling with feelings of loss or grief related to the closure of Highguard, resources are available. You can find support and information at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website: https://www.nami.org/.
What are your thoughts on the Highguard Farewell Tour update? Share your experiences and memories of the game in the comments below.
