Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Highguard’s Ranked Mode launched with the Episode 2 update on February 5, 2026. It was a 3v3 playlist with seven ranks, Ranked Points, and episode-end rewards. It is no longer playable: Wildlight Entertainment shut Highguard’s servers down permanently on March 12, 2026.
When did Highguard Ranked Mode release?
Wildlight announced Ranked Mode as available in the Episode 2 patch notes published February 5, 2026. An earlier Xbox Wire preview from January 26 had described ranked as planned for the first update in a few weeks; the February 5 notes give the actual availability date.
Episode 2 also added Warden Ekon and the Skydrift map. Ranked was a competitive 3v3 playlist, distinct from the 5v5 Raid Rush mode Wildlight announced on February 25. At that time, the studio said both Raid Rush and Ranked 3v3 were available.
How did Ranked matches and progression work?
Unlock and party rules
Players unlocked Ranked by winning 10 matches in 3v3 Raid Mode. The requirement counted qualifying Episode 1 wins retroactively. Party rules depended on group size: teammates could be up to two tiers apart, but a two-player party had to be within one tier. A full party of three could include any ranks; matchmaking used the highest-ranked member’s rank.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- [Efficient Game Stand for Storage and Organization]: Keep your gaming area clutter-free with this 36-slot game storage tower, compatible with PS5 game, PS4 game, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro & Switch Lite. This game holder stand is designed for easy access and to prevent disc damage, it ensures your favorite titles are always ready to play.
- [Ample Storage for Gaming Enthusiasts]: With space for up to 36 game discs, this video game shelf or game storage tower helps you keep your collection in one place, eliminating the need to sift through scattered cases. Perfect for seasoned gamers and beginners alike, it simplifies game storage for everyone.
- [Space-Saving Design for Compact Setup]: Our gaming tower frees up valuable shelf space with this sleek and compact disc holder. The vertical design of this PS5/ PS4/PS3 compatible video game tower minimizes footprint while offering an organized and stylish solution for your gaming accessories.
- [Built to Last with Sturdy Construction]: This PS game storage tower crafted from durable ABS material, this tower storage rack is built for stability and long-term use. It protects your game collection while keeping it neatly displayed in one place.
- [Modern and Elegant Gaming Accessory]: Enhance your gaming area with a contemporary storage tower that complements any decor style. The clean and minimalist design adds a professional look to your entertainment space.
Ranks and divisions
The ladder had seven ranks, each with three divisions. First-time ranked players entered at Bronze 3.
| Order | Rank | Emblem animal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bronze | Hare |
| 2 | Silver | Goat |
| 3 | Gold | Ape |
| 4 | Platinum | Dire Wolf |
| 5 | Diamond | Gryphon |
| 6 | Master | Manticore |
| 7 | Grandmaster | Leviathan |
Wildlight described two different reset rules. At the end of a Ranked Split, players could fall within their current rank but could not be demoted into the rank below. At a new Episode, the announced adjustment moved players back six divisions—two full ranks.
Rank #2
- 100+ classic games lovingly presented with best-in-class emulation and modern quality-of-life enhancements – and the ability to play classic games that have not been available for ages
- Discover the brand that launched the modern video game industry and the creative individuals behind it through interviews, archival images, special source material and behind-the-scenes content within an interactive timeline
- Emulation of games created for seven hardware platforms: Arcade, Atari 800, Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 7800, Atari Jaguar, Atari Lynx
- Over 60 minutes of exclusive interviews with key players in the games industry – from early Atari designers and engineers and other luminaries of the gaming world -- as they discuss Atari’s enduring impact on the video entertainment landscape
- A retrospective on gaming history that is a must-own for collectors and fans of video games
Ranked Points
Match outcome points depended on the result and how much damage each side dealt to the opponent’s base. The official Episode 2 notes listed these base values before modifiers:
| Result | Base RP | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Overwhelming Victory | +25 | Win with 100% of your base health remaining |
| Victory | +20 | Win |
| Close Victory | +15 | Winner’s base has 35% health or less remaining |
| Defeat | −25 | Losing team dealt no damage to the opponent |
| Strong Defense | −20 | Losing team dealt some damage |
| Close Defeat | −15 | Losing team dealt at least 65% damage to the opponent |
Other factors changed the final RP total. A consecutive-win streak added 3 RP per win, up to 6 extra points per game; kills could add up to 5 points per game; and solo queue added a fixed 4 points. In rank-imbalanced matches, the favored side gained fewer points for a win and lost more for a defeat, while the weaker side received a more favorable adjustment.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- This physical version of the Evil West includes a Wild Wild Easter pack! Tear off undead new while looking fancy like a devil with a new outfit and five weapon skins.
- Fight alone or with a friend in a stylish, bloody action battle
- Myths i legendy opowiadane w stylizowanym, dziwnym wszechświecie dzikiego zachodu
- Grow with extras, weapons and upgrade tools
- Explore and fight in a story-based campaign to save America
Players earned loss protection by completing matches. Leaving a match early brought a more severe penalty.
What maps, splits, and rewards did Ranked include?
Each Episode had two Ranked Splits. A Split rotated the available maps and bases and brought balance changes. The first Split’s listed maps were Kingdom, Summit, and Rivermark; its bases were Hellmouth, Smuggler’s Den, King’s Lair, Soul Well, Frosthold, and Wellspring.
Rank #4
- PS5 Features include raytracing modes and immersive haptic feedback for DualSense
- Use darkness and cover to avoid being overwhelmed by the ship's deadly new inhabitants
- Seek out the weapon fabricators to increase your firepower as you journey deeper, into the dark and terrifying depths, but beware ammo is limited
- Gather materials & schematics for weapon upgrades and suit customizations with buffs
- Harvest DNA material to improve health, toughness and defensive capabilities.Survive an ever changing labyrinth. Each and every expedition into The Persistence will be disorienting and different.Death is just the beginning. Fatal encounters will result in Zimri's consciousness being uploaded into a new cloned body, ready to try again, with any upgraded stats, suits & weapon schematics kept to aid the next attempt to save the ship
At the end of an Episode, players received cosmetic rewards based on the rank they had achieved. The named reward was a rank-themed Banner Frame.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you play Highguard Ranked now?
No. In its March 3, 2026 shutdown announcement, Wildlight said the servers would remain online until March 12, then close permanently. Ranked and every other online mode are unavailable since the shutdown.
Wildlight reported that more than 2 million players had entered Highguard since launch. That is the studio’s cumulative player count, not a measure of concurrent users, active players, or Ranked participation. The company said it had not built a sustainable player base for long-term support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enter the stadium and take part of one of the biggest competitions across 34 sports: from swimming, soccer, extreme bike, weightlifting, trampoline and much more!
- Defend your own country and visit the World: United States, Australia, Japan, France…
- Train yourself alone or compete with your friends!
- An enhanced version of “30 Sport Games in 1”, with revamped design, new games and more customisation!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
