Highguard, the highly anticipated PvP raid shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, launches today and players worldwide are eager to know exactly when they can jump into the action. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Highguard global release times, including a countdown timer, regional breakdown, and essential launch day details to ensure you’re ready when servers go live.
Key Takeaways
- Release Date: January 26, 2026, at 10 AM PT (6 PM UTC)
- Platforms: Available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
- Pre-load: Not available – download starts when servers go live
- Game Type: Free-to-play PvP raid shooter from Apex Legends veterans
- Storage Space: Requires 25GB on PC with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled
- Launch Event: Special gameplay deep dive stream at release time
Highguard Global Release Times by Region
Highguard releases simultaneously worldwide on January 26, 2026, but the exact time varies depending on your location. The main launch happens at 10 AM Pacific Time (6 PM UTC), with different local times across regions. Here’s the complete breakdown of when you can start playing:
| Region | Release Time | Date |
| US Pacific (PT) | 10:00 AM | January 26 |
| US Mountain (MT) | 11:00 AM | January 26 |
| US Central (CT) | 12:00 PM | January 26 |
| US Eastern (ET) | 1:00 PM | January 26 |
| UK (GMT) | 6:00 PM | January 26 |
| Europe (CET) | 7:00 PM | January 26 |
| Middle East (GST) | 10:00 PM | January 26 |
| India (IST) | 11:30 PM | January 26 |
| China (CST) | 2:00 AM | January 27 |
| Japan (JST) | 3:00 AM | January 27 |
| Australia (AEST) | 4:00 AM | January 27 |
| New Zealand (NZST) | 7:00 AM | January 27 |
What You Need to Know Before Launch
Platform Requirements and Setup
Before you can dive into this exciting live service game, make sure your system is ready. PC players will need about 25GB of free space, but there’s an important catch – you must have Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled on your system to play. This is similar to requirements for other modern games and helps ensure a secure multiplayer experience.
Console players have it easier – just ensure your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S has enough storage space and you’re connected to the internet. The game will appear in your respective store at the exact release time for your region.
No Pre-load Available
Unlike many major game launches, Highguard doesn’t offer pre-loading. This means you’ll need to wait until the official release time to start downloading the game. Plan accordingly, especially if you have slower internet, as you’ll want to start the download as soon as servers go live to minimize waiting time.
About Highguard: The New PvP Raid Shooter
Highguard represents an exciting new direction for multiplayer gaming. Developed by Wildlight Entertainment, a studio founded by veterans from Respawn Entertainment (creators of Apex Legends and Titanfall), this free-to-play game combines elements from several successful genres.
In Highguard, you play as Wardens – arcane gunslingers fighting for control of a mythical continent. The game blends the hero shooter abilities and gear looting of Apex Legends with base defense and destruction mechanics similar to Rainbow Six Siege. It’s a 3v3 raid shooter where strategy and teamwork matter as much as individual skill.
What Makes Highguard Different?
This live service game stands out by focusing on shorter, intense matches that typically last 8-10 minutes. Unlike traditional shooters that might drag on, Highguard is designed for quick, exciting sessions that fit into busy schedules. The developers have planned regular content updates to keep the experience fresh, with about a year of content already in development.
Launch Day Details and What to Expect
Servers Go Live at Release Time
When your region’s release time arrives, the servers will go live and you can begin downloading Highguard. Wildlight Entertainment has prepared for high player traffic, but like any major launch, there might be initial queues or brief server stability issues as thousands of players jump in simultaneously.
Special Launch Stream
To celebrate the launch, Wildlight is hosting a special gameplay deep dive stream on their official YouTube channel. This stream will showcase the game’s mechanics, reveal year-one content plans, and feature both content creators and the development team. It’s perfect to watch while you wait for your download to complete.
First Steps in Highguard
Once you’re in, you’ll discover that Highguard emphasizes accessibility for new players while maintaining depth for veterans. The tutorial system helps you understand the basics of raiding, character abilities, and team coordination. Don’t worry if you’re new to raid shooters – the game is designed to be welcoming to players of all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time will Highguard release in my time zone?
Highguard releases globally at 6 PM UTC on January 26, 2026. This translates to 10 AM Pacific Time, 1 PM Eastern Time, 6 PM GMT in the UK, and 7 PM Central European Time. For players in Asia and Australia, this means early morning hours on January 27. Check the regional table above for your exact local time.
Is there a pre-load option available for Highguard?
Unfortunately, no. Wildlight Entertainment has not announced pre-loading for Highguard on any platform. You’ll need to wait until the official release time when servers go live to begin downloading the game. This means planning ahead for download time, especially if you have slower internet speeds.
When will the servers go live?
Servers go live exactly at the regional release times listed above. The global launch happens simultaneously at 6 PM UTC, with local times adjusted for each region. Once servers are live, you can start downloading and playing immediately.
Why did Wildlight release Highguard on a Monday?
While most major games launch on Tuesdays or Fridays, Wildlight chose Monday for Highguard’s release. The developers haven’t officially explained this choice, but it might be related to server preparation or to avoid competing with other major entertainment releases typically scheduled later in the week.
What platforms is Highguard available on?
Highguard launches on three platforms: PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is free-to-play across all platforms, and there’s full cross-play support, so you can team up with friends regardless of their preferred system.
How much storage space do I need for Highguard?
PC players need approximately 25GB of free storage space. Additionally, PC players must have Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled in their system settings to run the game. Console storage requirements haven’t been officially specified but will likely be similar to the PC version.
Are there server issues at launch?
Like any major online game launch, Highguard experienced some initial server queues and stability issues as thousands of players tried to log in simultaneously. Wildlight Entertainment has been actively working to resolve these issues and expand server capacity to handle the player load.
