By Fletcher Wilkinson 
The online shooter Highguard is officially shutting down just weeks after its release, with developer Wildlight Entertainment confirming the game’s servers will go offline on March 12, 2026.
According to the studio, the decision was made after the game failed to maintain a player base large enough to keep the live service running long-term.
Despite attracting more than two million players since its launch in late January, the studio says the game simply didn’t reach the level of ongoing engagement needed to sustain the project.
In a message shared with the community, the developers thanked players for supporting the game during its brief lifespan and acknowledged the effort and passion put into the project by both the team and the community.
Wildlight explained that although the game saw a promising number of players early on, it ultimately struggled to maintain consistent activity across its servers.
Before the servers close next week, the development team plans to release one final update for players who want to jump back in before the shutdown.
The update is expected to include:
- A new Warden character
- An additional weapon
- Account level progression
- Skill trees
Full patch notes are expected to be released alongside the update.
The developers also encouraged players to return for a final round of matches before the servers go offline permanently.
Highguard’s lifespan has been notably brief. The game was first revealed during The Game Awards 2025, where it received a fairly muted reaction from audiences.
When it launched as a free-to-play shooter in January 2026, some players found enjoyable elements in the gameplay. However, the title struggled to build lasting momentum, ultimately leading to its closure just over a month after release.
With servers staying live until March 12, players still have a short window to experience Highguard one last time before it disappears completely.
While its run was short, the developers say they remain grateful to the community that supported the game and helped shape its brief story.
Paula Beaton