All Maps and Bases in Highguard (March 2026) Complete Guide

Welcome to the most comprehensive guide to all maps and bases in Highguard, the revolutionary PvP raid shooter that’s taking the gaming world by storm. Whether you’re a newcomer just stepping into this mystical battlefield or a seasoned Warden looking to master every strategic advantage, this guide will equip you with everything you need to dominate across all five unique maps and six formidable bases.

Highguard represents a bold evolution in the shooter genre, blending first-person combat with MOBA-style strategic gameplay. Understanding each map’s layout and every base’s defensive capabilities isn’t just helpful—it’s absolutely essential for victory. After spending countless hours raiding, defending, and analyzing every corner of Highguard’s world, I’m here to share my complete breakdown of what makes each location unique and how to leverage them for maximum advantage.

Type	Count	Primary Purpose	Key Feature
Maps	5	Resource gathering & Shieldbreaker combat	Open-world exploration
Bases	6	Team defense & generator protection	Close-quarters combat

Complete Guide to All Highguard Maps

Highguard’s maps serve as the expansive battlegrounds where Wardens collect resources, upgrade equipment, and battle for control of the legendary Shieldbreaker. Each map offers distinct environmental advantages, strategic chokepoints, and unique loot opportunities that can turn the tide of battle when utilized correctly.

Vesper City: The Ancient Trade Hub

Vesper City stands as Highguard’s crown jewel among maps, once serving as the magnificent trade center, treasury, and arcane archive for The Iron Vigil over 2,000 years ago. Today, this partially excavated canyon city represents one of the most resource-rich and strategically complex battlegrounds in Highguard.

Key Locations:

• Warden’s Treasury: This primary hotspot houses rare loot chests and serves as the central spawn point for the coveted Shieldbreaker. The Treasury’s multi-level structure provides excellent vertical gameplay opportunities, with snipers able to cover approaches from upper balconies while close-quarters specialists dominate the interior corridors.
• Sunken Archives: Located south of the Warden’s Treasury, these underground mineshafts contain the highest concentration of Vesper deposits on any map. The tight corridors and limited sightlines make this area perfect for shotgun enthusiasts and close-quarters combat specialists. However, be wary of ambushes—the darkness provides excellent cover for enemies waiting to strike.
• Royal Gardens: The elevated areas of Royal Gardens create natural sniper nests that overlook much of the surrounding terrain. Wardens with long-range weapons can control significant portions of the map from these positions, making them crucial for team coordination and area denial strategies.

Strategic Tips for Vesper City: I’ve found that controlling the Warden’s Treasury early provides a significant advantage, as it offers both superior loot and Shieldbreaker spawn opportunities. The Sunken Archives should be your primary Vesper farming location, but always bring a teammate—this area is frequently contested due to its resource richness. For snipers, the Royal Gardens offer unparalleled sightlines, but remember that elevated positions also make you vulnerable to counter-sniping and flanking maneuvers.

Summit: The Frozen Kingdom

Summit transports players to a frozen wasteland high in the northern mountains, representing the last remnant of an ancient kingdom ruled by a queen who commanded a golem army. This icy landscape features treacherous terrain, vertical combat opportunities, and some of the most dangerous but rewarding locations in Highguard.

Key Locations:

• Queen’s Crypt: Perhaps the most dangerous yet rewarding location in Summit, the Queen’s Crypt contains extremely rare chests and valuable supplies. However, this area features numerous ziplines spanning deep trenches—one misstep means instant death and respawn. The Crypt’s vertical nature makes it perfect for Wardens with excellent mobility and spatial awareness.
• Golem Forge: Serving as Summit’s central hub, the Golem Forge area provides access to long-range weapon positions and multiple shortcuts to elevated mountain areas. This location frequently spawns both Shieldbreakers and high-tier loot caches, making it a constant battleground throughout matches. The Forge’s open center area contrasts nicely with the surrounding elevated positions, creating diverse combat scenarios.
• Frozen Shine: Located at Summit’s farthest reaches, Frozen Shine represents a tactical masterpiece where two narrow passages converge on a central point. This design forces close-quarters combat and rewards teams that can coordinate effectively to control the chokepoint. The area’s tight quarters make it perfect for shotgun users and close-quarters specialists.

Pro Strategies for Summit: The key to dominating Summit lies in mastering the zipline system while avoiding the deadly trenches. I recommend bringing a Warden with strong mobility abilities to navigate the Queen’s Crypt safely. The Golem Forge should be your team’s primary focus area due to its consistent Shieldbreaker spawns and valuable loot. For close-quarters specialists, Frozen Shine offers some of the most intense combat experiences in Highguard—just be prepared for constant action.

Rivermark: The Industrial Remnants

Rivermark presents players with an abandoned industrial town surrounded by water bodies, showcasing the engineering marvels created when old magic and industrial technologies merged. This map’s unique water features and industrial architecture create distinct tactical opportunities that reward strategic thinking and environmental awareness.

Key Locations:

• Geothermal Station: This half-flooded factory area provides ample supplies and Vesper mining opportunities throughout its multiple levels. The water elements create interesting movement dynamics, allowing Wardens to use the terrain for cover while navigating between different elevation levels. The Station’s industrial architecture provides numerous hiding spots and ambush opportunities.
• Vesper Mines: As the name suggests, this area contains some of the richest Vesper deposits in Rivermark, making it essential for resource collection. The mines feature a straightforward layout with a central Shieldbreaker spawn site, making it easy to navigate even during intense combat. The open design allows for quick escapes when mounted, making it less risky than other mining locations.
• Water Pumps: Located beyond the mines, the Water Pumps area features hidden passages and underwater routes that enable stealthy movement and surprise attacks. These concealed pathways are perfect for Wardens who prefer flanking maneuvers and catching opponents off guard. The area’s design rewards exploration and environmental awareness.

Rivermark Domination Tactics: Control of the Geothermal Station early in matches provides significant resource advantages. I’ve found that the Vesper Mines offer the safest farming location, making them perfect for newer players or those needing to quickly collect resources. The Water Pumps’ hidden passages can turn the tide of battle when used effectively—take time to learn these routes and use them to outmaneuver opponents.

Kingdom: The Coastal Ruins

Kingdom stands as one of Highguard’s largest maps, featuring ruined coastal castles and towers across a narrow strait from Headwall. This massive battlefield showcases signs of ancient battles fought centuries ago, now serving as a treasure hunting ground filled with relics and valuable resources.

Key Locations:

• Whitevale Castle: Serving as Kingdom’s central focal point, Whitevale Castle contains numerous treasure chests and frequently sees Vigil supply drop spawns. The Throne Room represents one of the most hotly contested Shieldbreaker sites, featuring close-quarters combat in an enclosed space that rewards aggressive playstyles and shotgun users.
• Central Belltower: This sprawling vertical structure emphasizes the importance of ziplining and vertical combat. The Belltower provides excellent sniper positions and features an open corridor that serves as another Shieldbreaker spawn location. Controlling the high ground here can effectively lock down significant portions of the map.
• Dungeon: The underground Dungeon area offers the richest loot opportunities in Kingdom, housing abundant Vesper deposits, treasure chests, and mid-range combat opportunities. When the Shieldbreaker spawns in the Dungeon’s center, the tight quarters create intense, close-quarters battles that test team coordination and individual skill.

Kingdom Mastery Strategies: Given Kingdom’s size, team coordination and communication are absolutely essential. I recommend establishing control of Whitevale Castle early, as its central location provides access to multiple strategic points. The Central Belltower should be occupied by your team’s best sniper, while the Dungeon offers excellent farming opportunities for teams needing resources. Remember that Kingdom’s size makes mounted travel crucial for responding to threats across the map.

Dustline: The Desert Wasteland

Dustline presents players with a ruined settlement in a disaster zone, stretching hundreds of miles into barren wasteland. The mysterious circumstances surrounding Dustline’s sudden, unnatural ruin add an element of intrigue to this desert map, which features abandoned factories and excellent opportunities for mounted combat.

Key Locations:

• Radar Center: This abandoned facility contains numerous loot caches and features an easily accessible indoor Shieldbreaker spawn site. The Radar Center’s design provides good cover while maintaining clear sightlines, making it suitable for various combat styles and strategies.
• Mine: Filled with valuable Vesper deposits and rare loot scattered throughout the area, the Mine features dark shafts and tracks where enemies can ambush unsuspecting Wardens. This area rewards careful exploration and environmental awareness, as danger can lurk around any corner.
• Furnace: The elevated Furnace area provides excellent opportunities for long-range engagements while featuring underground passages for ambushes and flanking maneuvers. This dual-level design creates diverse combat scenarios that reward tactical flexibility and team coordination.

Dustline Victory Tactics: Dustline’s open terrain makes mounted combat particularly effective—I recommend taking advantage of the mobility to quickly respond to threats across the map. The Radar Center offers the safest Shieldbreaker engagement location, making it ideal for newer players. The Mine’s dark areas require careful navigation, so bring illumination tools or Wardens with vision-enhancing abilities. The Furnace’s elevated positions should be controlled by long-range specialists while close-quarters teams utilize the underground passages.

Complete Guide to All Highguard Bases

Unlike the expansive maps where resource gathering and Shieldbreaker combat occur, Highguard’s bases represent smaller, close-quarters environments where teams defend their generators and anchor stone from enemy raids. Each base features unique layouts, defensive advantages, and strategic considerations that must be understood for successful defense.

Wellspring: The Fortified Sanctuary

Wellspring stands as one of the most defensible bases in Highguard, completely surrounded by an exterior curtain wall that protects the overgrown woodland meadows within. This fortress-like design provides excellent defensive capabilities while requiring coordinated team efforts to maintain security across multiple approaches.

Base Layout:

• Generator Locations: The two generators are housed in a fortified outbuilding and the rear keep, creating a defense-in-depth strategy that forces attackers to breach multiple defensive layers.
• Anchor Stone Position: Located in the forward sniper tower, the anchor stone benefits from elevated positioning and excellent sightlines, allowing defenders to maintain pressure on attackers crossing open areas.
• Defensive Features: A zipline connecting the tower and rear keep enables rapid redeployment across the territory, while the combination of open fields, back caves, and recessed streams creates diverse defensive challenges.

Wellspring Defense Strategy: Defending Wellspring requires constant vigilance and excellent communication. I recommend assigning team members to cover the open field, back cave, and stream approaches simultaneously. The elevated positions provide excellent sniper opportunities, but defenders must remain mobile to prevent attackers from exploiting blind spots. The zipline system should be used strategically to reinforce threatened areas quickly.

Smuggler’s Den: The Cliffside Stronghold

Despite lacking exterior fortifications, Smuggler’s Den proves surprisingly difficult to siege due to its elevated positioning and natural defensive advantages. This multi-level stronghold topped by a watchtower provides defenders with commanding views of the explosive-trapped dunes below.

Base Layout:

• Central Structure: The massive multi-level stronghold forms the core of Smuggler’s Den, with the watchtower providing excellent overwatch capabilities.
• Defensive Positions: High cliffside platforms offer long-range shooting coverage, with ziplines connecting them to the main structure for rapid redeployment.
• Vulnerability: The partially submerged bunker at the rear represents Smuggler’s Den’s primary weakness—if captured by attackers, it can negate the base’s elevated advantages.

Smuggler’s Den Defense Tactics: The key to defending Smuggler’s Den lies in controlling the elevated platforms while preventing access to the rear bunker. I recommend positioning long-range specialists on the cliffside platforms while close-quarters defenders protect the main structure’s interior. The explosive-trapped dunes below can be used strategically to channel attackers into kill zones, but be careful not to fall victim to your own traps.

King’s Lair: The Underground Fortress

King’s Lair represents one of Highguard’s most unique bases, primarily located underground with minimal exposed walls. This design makes it significantly less vulnerable to rocket fire while providing excellent defensive advantages through its labyrinthine layout and strategic positioning.

Base Layout:

• Underground Design: The primarily underground construction provides natural protection from explosive weapons while creating a claustrophobic combat environment that favors close-quarters specialists.
• Surface Features: The flat earthen ceiling offers excellent sightlines in all directions, with rocky outcroppings providing cover for snipers and overwatch positions.
• Interior Layout: The walls and rooms twist into narrow passages with low-hanging ceilings, creating a maze-like environment that confuses attackers and rewards defenders who know the layout.

King’s Lair Defense Strategy: Defending King’s Lair requires intimate knowledge of the underground layout and excellent team coordination. I recommend using the excavation trench as a primary defensive line, as it provides good cover while allowing rapid access to the base’s rear. The sloping drop approach to the lair’s core creates a natural chokepoint where defenders can focus their firepower. Remember that hammers and ziplines are particularly effective in this environment—use them to create unexpected attack routes and defensive positions.

Hellmouth: The Molten Fortress

Hellmouth’s most distinctive feature is its molten moat, which serves as a powerful initial defensive barrier forcing attackers to cross numerous small bridges before reaching the interior. These narrow crossing points become death traps when properly defended, allowing single defenders to hold off multiple attackers.

Base Layout:

• Moat Defense: The molten moat forces attackers into predictable crossing patterns, creating excellent defensive opportunities at bridge approaches.
• Central Structures: Three massive structures connected by suspended walkways house the generators and anchor stone, allowing defenders to travel quickly between defensive positions.
• Elevated Tower: The center defended tower provides commanding views of the approaches below, making it an ideal perch for snipers and overwatch specialists.

Hellmouth Defense Tactics: The molten moat represents Hellmouth’s greatest defensive advantage—focus your efforts on controlling the bridge approaches. I recommend assigning defenders to cover each crossing point while maintaining mobile reserves that can respond to breaches. The suspended walkways connecting the central structures enable rapid redeployment, but remember that they’re also vulnerable to destruction. The elevated tower should be occupied by your team’s best sniper, as it provides unparalleled overwatch capabilities.

Frosthold: The Ice Fortress

Frosthold combines natural ice formations with fortified structures to create a uniquely challenging defensive environment. This base leverages the harsh winter environment to create tactical advantages while presenting unique challenges for both attackers and defenders.

Base Layout:

• Ice Walls: Natural ice formations provide additional protection while creating interesting movement dynamics and defensive opportunities.
• Fortified Positions: Multiple defensive structures offer excellent cover and firing positions, rewarding coordinated team defense.
• Environmental Hazards: The icy terrain creates movement challenges that can be exploited by defenders familiar with the environment.

Frosthold Defense Strategy: Frosthold rewards teams that can leverage the environmental advantages while mitigating the movement challenges. I recommend spending time learning the ice formations and how they can be used for cover and tactical positioning. The fortified positions should be occupied by defenders with complementary loadouts, ensuring all approaches are covered. Remember that the icy terrain affects both attackers and defenders—use this knowledge to predict enemy movements and set up ambushes.

Bellringer: The Tower Defense

Bellringer centers around a massive tower structure that provides excellent defensive capabilities while requiring vertical combat skills. This base rewards teams with strong coordination and those comfortable with multi-level defensive strategies.

Base Layout:

• Central Tower: The massive tower structure serves as the focal point of Bellringer, providing elevated defensive positions and excellent sightlines.
• Multiple Levels: The multi-level design creates diverse combat scenarios and requires defenders to monitor multiple approaches simultaneously.
• Vertical Combat: Ziplines and vertical movement options enable rapid redeployment between defensive positions.

Bellringer Defense Tactics: Bellringer demands excellent vertical combat skills and constant communication. I recommend assigning defenders to specific levels while maintaining the flexibility to reinforce threatened areas quickly. The central tower provides excellent defensive advantages, but remember that elevated positions also make you vulnerable to attackers with vertical mobility options. The zipline system should be used strategically to maintain pressure on attackers and respond to threats across multiple levels.

Advanced Map and Base Strategies

Team Composition Considerations

Your team composition should influence both map navigation and base selection strategies. Different Wardens excel in different environments, and understanding these synergies can provide significant competitive advantages.

For Maps:

• Recon Wardens excel in larger maps like Kingdom and Dustline where their scouting abilities can cover more ground
• Assault Wardens dominate close-quarters environments like the Sunken Archives and Frozen Shine
• Support Wardens provide crucial advantages during prolonged Shieldbreaker engagements
• Destruction Wardens excel at clearing obstacles and creating new pathways
• Defensive Wardens protect generators during raids and control key areas

For Bases:

• Teams with high mobility should choose bases with ziplines and vertical elements like Smuggler’s Den and Bellringer
• Defensive-focused teams should select bases with natural fortifications like Wellspring and Hellmouth
• Close-quarters specialists should favor bases like King’s Lair with its tight interior spaces
• Long-range teams should choose bases with elevated positions and clear sightlines

Resource Management Across Maps

Understanding resource distribution across different maps is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage throughout matches.

Vesper Distribution:

• Highest Concentration: Sunken Archives (Vesper City), Vesper Mines (Rivermark), Dungeon (Kingdom)
• Medium Concentration: Golem Forge (Summit), Geothermal Station (Rivermark), Mine (Dustline)
• Lower Concentration: Royal Gardens (Vesper City), Frozen Shine (Summit), Radar Center (Dustline)

Loot Quality:

• Best Rare Loot: Queen’s Crypt (Summit), Warden’s Treasury (Vesper City), Whitevale Castle (Kingdom)
• Consistent Quality: All central areas and Shieldbreaker spawn locations
• Special Items: Dungeon (Kingdom), Sunken Archives (Vesper City)

Mount Usage Strategies

Different maps favor different mount usage strategies, and understanding these nuances can significantly impact your effectiveness.

Best Maps for Mount Combat:

• Dustline: Open terrain and long sightlines make mounted combat highly effective
• Kingdom: Large size makes mounts essential for rapid response
• Rivermark: Water features create interesting mounted movement opportunities

Mount Selection Tips:

• Horse: Balanced speed and health, good for general exploration
• Panther: Higher speed but lower health, ideal for quick raids and escapes
• Bear: Maximum health but slower speed, perfect for defensive roles

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best base for my team composition?

Base selection should be based on your team’s strengths and playstyle. Teams with strong long-range capabilities should choose bases with elevated positions like Wellspring or Bellringer. Close-quarters specialists should favor bases like King’s Lair with tight interior spaces. Mobile teams benefit from bases with ziplines and vertical elements like Smuggler’s Den. Always discuss base selection with your team during the voting phase to ensure everyone can contribute effectively to the defense.

What’s the most important map feature to control?

The Shieldbreaker spawn locations are consistently the most important features to control across all maps. These areas not only provide access to the game-changing Shieldbreaker but also typically feature high-quality loot and frequent Vigil supply drops. However, don’t neglect resource gathering areas—consistent Vesper collection ensures you can upgrade equipment and maintain competitive advantage throughout matches.

How do I effectively defend against coordinated base raids?

Effective base defense requires communication, coordination, and understanding of your base’s unique advantages. Assign specific defensive responsibilities to each team member based on their Warden class and loadout. Maintain awareness of all approach vectors and use your base’s defensive features to channel attackers into kill zones. Remember that generator protection is crucial—losing generators significantly weakens your defensive capabilities and makes victory much more difficult.

Which map is best for beginners?

Vesper City offers the best learning experience for new players due to its balanced layout and clear strategic objectives. The Warden’s Treasury provides straightforward Shieldbreaker engagements, while the Sunken Archives offer relatively safe resource gathering opportunities. The map’s diverse environments allow newcomers to experience different combat scenarios while learning core game mechanics. As you gain experience, you can explore more complex maps like Summit and Kingdom.

How do I counter enemies who control elevated positions?

Countering elevated enemies requires several strategies. Use smoke or other visual obstruction tools to approach safely. Flank maneuvers using alternative routes can catch elevated enemies by surprise. Long-range weapons can engage elevated targets directly, while explosive weapons can destroy cover. Remember that elevated positions often limit mobility—use this to your advantage by forcing enemies into predictable movements and setting up ambushes at their expected escape routes.

Conclusion

Mastering Highguard’s maps and bases requires dedication, practice, and strategic thinking. Each location offers unique opportunities and challenges that reward different playstyles and team compositions. By understanding the specific features and advantages of each map and base, you can make informed decisions that lead to consistent victory.

Remember that Highguard is constantly evolving, with new content and updates regularly introduced. Stay connected with the community through official channels and continue refining your strategies as the meta evolves. The most successful Wardens are those who adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and never stop learning.