- Highguard has received its first seasonal update, ushering in Episode 2 in the game.
- The update brings a new Warden, Ekon, to the game alongside a new map and mount.
- The Episode 2 update also features improvements for the Gear Up phase as well as new Orange Weapon Mods.
Even though Highguard has had a bit of a rocky start, Wildlight Entertainment’s innovative raid shooter is definitely making an impression on players since its release. The developers have been vocal about being open to player feedback, something that is especially important for the game’s early phases.
After the release of Highguard 1.0.4 update recently, Wildlight has now released a full-fledged Episode update for the game, bringing Episode 2 to Highguard. This new update not only adds new content to the game but also makes some major improvements to the Gear Up phase. Here’s everything you need to know about Highguard Episode 2.
Highguard Episode 2 Full Patch Notes
The Episode 2 patch is filled with new content, including a new Warden, map, and even new weapon mods.
New Warden: Ekon
The headline of the Highguard Episode 2 update is the latest playable Warden, Ekon, a legendary monster-slayer and the last of the Windwalkers. Unlike other Wardens, who summon and ride Highguard mounts into battle, Ekon possesses a transformation ability that allows him to become the mount himself. Here are Ekon’s abilities and what they do:
- Dread (Passive): Reveal the heartbeat of nearby enemies with low health.
- Wolf Spirit (Tactical): Unleash a wolf spirit that hunts the enemy nearest to you and applies the Dread status to them.
- Fearsome Howl (Ultimate): Applies the Dread status effect to every enemy on the map and grants Ekon a significant speed boost.
- Wolf Form: Ekon can transform into a direwolf and switch to a unique third-person perspective. This form not only features better spatial awareness and a new Bite Attack.
New Map: Skydrift
The Highguard Episode 2 has added a brand new map to the map pool, titled “Skydrift.” This new addition to Highguard’s map collection is a lost city built onto floating rocks and connected by massive bridges. Skydrift introduces a big change in level design, with the map focusing on verticality and floating geography. It features a series of platforms connected by chain bridges and Sky Jumpers (launch pads).
Ranked Mode
Wildlight Entertainment is pushing the competitive side of the game to the forefront with the release of Ranked Mode in Highguard Episode 2. The system features a total of seven tiers, with a structure that emphasizes playing objective over pure elimination counts:
- Bronze (Hare)
- Silver (Goat)
- Gold (Ape)
- Platinum (Dire Wolf)
- Diamond (Gryphon)
- Master (Manticore)
- Grandmaster (Leviathan)
In order to maintain a fresh competitive environment, each Episode will feature 2 Ranked Splits, with each Split changing the map and base list. Here are the Split 1 maps and bases:
Split 1 Maps
- Kingdom
- Summit
- Rivermark
Split 1 Bases
- Hellmouth
- Smuggler’s Den
- King’s Lair
- Soul Well
- Frosthold
- Wellspring
New Mount: The Wolf
While Ekon turns into a direwolf, other Highguard Wardens can also get in on the action, as Ekon’s arrival in Highguard Episode 2 has also unlocked a brand new mount for players: The Wolf. And the best part is that the Wolf mount is free for all players, as players simply need to complete 10 Ranked Highguard matches to claim it.
Gear Up Phase Improvements
Wildlight has been listening to player feedback ever since Highguard’s release, and the developers have released updates in Episode 2 to reflect that. These updates include:
- Better POI Loot: Masterwork weapons now appear in red chests in POIs.
- Ultimate Chargers: Barrels containing Ultimate Chargers will glow gold to notify players.
- Waypoint Markers: Waypoint markers will now guide players towards the Points of Interest when you leave your base.
- Speed Gates: Always enabled when a player is near them, rather than only being active when a Shieldbreaker is present.
New Orange Weapon Mods
The Highguard Episode 2 update has also added new Orange Weapon Mods to the game:
- Impact Rounds (Saber Rifle): Higher crit damage, slower fire rate, 2-shot burst.
- Drum Magazine (Vanguard): Bigger magazine, slower reload.
- Doubleshot (Corsair): Let out a 12-round burst with each trigger pull.
Are you excited about the Episode 2 update in Highguard? Let us know in the comments below!
