1 What is Raiding in Highguard?
Raiding is the core objective of every Highguard match. Unlike traditional shooters where kills determine victory, Highguard requires teams to destroy the enemy's base to win.
Each match follows a cyclical flow: gather resources → contest the Shieldbreaker → raid the enemy base → repeat until one base is destroyed. Understanding this loop is essential for success.
The Raid Cycle
2 The Shieldbreaker
The Shieldbreaker is an ancient magical sword that periodically spawns at the center of magical storms. It's the key to initiating every raid—without it, you cannot attack the enemy base.
⚔️ Claiming the Shieldbreaker
- ▸ Watch for storm announcements on the map
- ▸ Race to the center before the enemy team
- ▸ Pick up the sword—can only be held by one player
- ▸ The carrier is visible on the minimap
⚠️ Carrier Rules
- ▸ If the carrier dies, enemies can pick it up
- ▸ Carrier cannot use mounts (must travel on foot)
- ▸ Must reach enemy base perimeter to use it
- ▸ Plunging deals damage to enemy shields
3 Siege Tower Mechanics
After successfully plunging the Shieldbreaker into enemy shields, a Siege Tower spawns near their base. This is your team's foothold for the assault.
Siege Tower Functions
Attackers respawn at the Siege Tower instead of their base, reducing travel time.
While the tower stands, enemy base shields remain down, allowing wall breaching.
The tower has limited energy. If it depletes before victory, the raid fails and shields regenerate.
4 Attacking Strategy
Once the Siege Tower is up, your goal is to destroy the enemy base. There are two paths to victory:
🎯 Option A: Generators
Plant bombs on the base's generators. Each destroyed generator damages the base. Destroying all generators wins the match.
- ✓ Safer approach—spread out targets
- ✓ Can chip damage even if raid fails
- ✗ Bombs can be defused by defenders
💀 Option B: Anchor Stone
Go straight for the Anchor Stone—the core of the enemy base. Destroying it is an instant win.
- ✓ Ends match immediately if successful
- ✓ Psychological pressure on defenders
- ✗ Usually most heavily defended
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use Raid Tools (Blast Hammer, Rocket Launcher) to breach walls |
| 2 | Clear defenders with combat weapons and Warden abilities |
| 3 | Locate generators or Anchor Stone (vary entry points) |
| 4 | Plant bombs or destroy target while teammates cover |
| 5 | Defend planted bombs until detonation |
5 Defending Your Base
Defense is just as important as offense. A well-coordinated defense can stop raids and turn the tide of the match.
1. Reinforce Walls Early
During the Reinforce Phase, fortify key walls. Focus on chokepoints and generator access routes. Reinforced walls take more hits to breach.
2. Use Defensive Wardens
Wardens like Kai (Ice Wall, Frost Giant) and Una (Tree Walker) excel at holding positions. Position them at key intersections.
3. Spread Out Your Defense
Don't stack all defenders at one spot. Cover multiple entry points. Attackers can create diversions while flanking from another angle.
4. Defuse Bombs Immediately
If attackers plant bombs, prioritize defusing over kills. One bomb detonation can turn a successful defense into a loss.
5. Eliminate All Attackers
The raid only ends when all attackers are dead simultaneously or the Siege Tower depletes. Keep pressure until the tower falls.
6 Raid Tools Breakdown
Each player carries one Raid Tool alongside combat weapons. Choose based on your role during raids:
Blast Hammer
Structure destruction specialist
Explosive sledgehammer dealing massive damage to walls. Charge up and release a cone-shaped ground projectile. Best for rapid wall breaching.
Zipline Gun
Mobility and positioning tool
Creates custom ziplines for vertical movement and flanking routes. Enables unexpected angles of attack and fast retreats.
Rocket Launcher
Explosive demolition
Traditional explosive option. Destroys non-reinforced walls in one hit. Can also deal significant player damage on direct hits.
7 Best Wardens for Raiding
⚔️ Attacking
- Redmane — Pounce through walls, Beast's Roar destroys structures
- Scarlet — Phase through walls, flank with Sandstorm
- Atticus — Shockspear clears rooms, area denial
- Slade — Firestorm zone control, Heatwave damage
🛡️ Defending
- Kai — Ice Wall blocks sightlines, Frost Giant form
- Una — Forest Wisps disrupt, Tree Walker summon
- Mara — Soul Armor protects teammates, Immortal Coil respawn
- Condor — Eyes in the Sky detects incoming attackers
8 Common Raiding Mistakes
| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Rush the Shieldbreaker with no gear | Have at least blue armor before contesting |
| Let carrier run alone | Escort the carrier with full team |
| All enter through same breach point | Split up and attack from multiple angles |
| Chase kills instead of objectives | Prioritize generators/Anchor Stone |
| Leave planted bombs undefended | Guard bombs until they detonate |
| Give up after one failed raid | Loot escalates—next raid is stronger |