Highguard’s first major update made its 5v5 mode permanent, and now its second major update has fine-tuned the moment-to-moment gameplay while adding in a new Warden. It’s a positive step in the right direction for developer Wildlight’s raid shooter that improves some of the game’s pain points, and the new hero is immediately one of the game’s best.

Ekon, the new Warden, has powers that directly address my biggest criticism of the game. I enjoy most of what Highguard has to offer, though the heavy importance of armor can make for frustrating gunfights. In essence, enemies can often feel like bullet sponges as you pump a clip into them with no real indication of how much damage you’re doing. Ekon’s passive Dread power at least gives you a hint.

Dread makes it so wounded enemies will appear in........

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