Highguard has dropped new details about its upcoming Episode 2 content for its budding first-person MOBA shooter. Read on to learn more about the new Warden, along with the new ranked system.
Highguard Episode 2 Reveals New Warden and Ranked System
Ekon Steals the Spotlight as Highguard’s Latest Warden
Highguard’s Episode 2 will introduce the ninth Warden to the roster, Ekon, set for release on February 6, 2026, as announced by Wildlight Entertainment earlier today on their official social media channels.
According to Wildlight Entertainment’s Episode 2 patch notes, Ekon is a legendary monster slayer who can shapeshift into a direwolf to track his prey. He is designed to be the team’s dedicated intel provider, sharing the same Recon archetype with Condor, one of the eight base Wardens available at launch who uses her eagle to scan nearby enemies.
Much like Apex Legends’ Bloodhound, Highguard’s take on an intel tracker makes Ekon a formidable presence, especially during Shieldbreaker encounters due to close-quarters environments. His passive ability, Dread, inflicts enemies with a debuff that reveals their heartbeat when low-health. This effect persists until the enemy is eliminated or fully healed.
Ekon’s tactical ability summons a spirit wolf that hunts down the nearest enemies and applies Dread. Players familiar with Valorant’s Skye may notice similarities, as both characters rely on spirit familiars to gather information and pressure opponents. Like Skye’s dog, Ekon’s wolf can also be denied and shot down.
Ekon’s Ultimate allows him to apply Dread to all enemies across the map. It remains unclear whether the effect applies to distant Wardens or those at full health. Activating it also increases his movement speed, further enhancing his ability to hunt and reposition.
One of Ekon’s more unique traits is his ability to shapeshift into a wolf. Compared to other Wardens who rely on their animal mounts when riding, Ekon needs none, as he becomes the mount himself. His wolf form offers more movement speed than standard mounts and uses a third-person camera view, giving him better environmental awareness for flanking and scouting.
While in wolf form, Ekon can still use most of his abilities, including his tactical and Ultimate. He also gains access to a bite attack that dashes him forward, granting brief momentum during chaotic teamfights. If no target is nearby, Ekon can perform a short air dash instead, further expanding his mobility options while transformed.
Episode 2 of Highguard Launches Ranked Mode
Alongside the new Warden, Episode 2 of Highguard will also introduce the long-awaited Ranked mode. Wildlight has confirmed that only 3v3 will receive Ranked support, stating that they believe 3v3 offers a more tactical structure and fits the competitive experience best. To unlock Ranked, players must win 10 standard 3v3 matches to be eligible.
It remains unclear whether 5v5 will receive a Ranked mode in the future, though the developers say they will continue monitoring player feedback, according to the patch notes.
Highguard’s Ranked system features three divisions and seven ranks. These are:
⚫︎ Bronze (Hare)
⚫︎ Silver (Goat)
⚫︎ Gold (Ape)
⚫︎ Platinum (Dire Wolf)
⚫︎ Diamond (Gyphon)
⚫︎ Master (Manticore)
⚫︎ Grandmaster (Leviathan)
Reaching specific ranks rewards unique cosmetics such as banner frames that increase in prestige at higher tiers. Wildlight has also confirmed that each Highguard episode will introduce a new themed banner, with Episode 2’s wolf-themed design inspired by Ekon.
Wildlight Entertainment has also outlined several balance updates, including adjustments to points of interest loot and the introduction of a new Blue Masterwork system. This system grants weapons unique stats that are exclusive to points of interest, encouraging more frequent encounters during the gear phase and potentially increasing the game’s overall time-to-kill.
Additional updates are detailed in the official patch notes, including hero balance changes such as Uma’s much-needed buff, as well as weapon adjustments like a reduction to Vanguard’s ammo count.
Both Ekon and the Ranked system go live in just a few hours. The update has also surprised the community, with comments on Highguard’s official X (formerly Twitter) account praising Wildlight Entertainment’s quick response in addressing long-standing concerns around replayability and content. With Ranked Mode officially arriving, the game may find new footing when it comes to player growth and retention.
Source:
Highguard Episode 2 Official Patch Notes
Highguard's Latest Balance Patch for the Gear Phase
