Highguard blends fast-paced extraction shooter mechanics with mythical creature mounts that revolutionize movement and combat. These loyal companions—Horse, Bear, Panther, and more—let players dash across maps, loot resources, and engage foes while staying mobile. This guide covers everything from initial setup to advanced tactics, helping you optimize your ride for victory.
Why Mounts Matter in Highguard
Mounts transform Highguard’s gameplay by offering superior speed over foot travel, enabling quick escapes, rapid looting, and mounted assaults. Unlike standard shooters, you wield primary weapons like assault rifles atop your mount, though recoil demands skill management. Each mount brings unique traits: agility for pursuits, durability for brawls, or balanced prowess. Upgrades via saddles further boost health and velocity, turning a basic steed into a battlefield beast.
Strategic use shines in preparation phases before Shieldbreaker activations, where mounting up positions you for early advantages. Dismissing and resummoning adds flexibility, but watch health bars—destroyed mounts trigger cooldowns, leaving you exposed.
Available Mounts and Their Strengths
Highguard launches with four core mounts, each suited to playstyles. Defaults are free; the Eldergryph requires premium currency.
| Mount | Key Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Horse | Top speed and agility | Chases, scouting, quick loot runs |
| Panther | Balanced speed and combat power | Versatile engagements, ambushes |
| Bear | Maximum tankiness, high health | Frontline pushes, absorbing damage |
| Eldergryph | Premium mythical flyer (details TBD) | Elite players seeking exclusivity |
Horse excels in evasion, Panther in hybrid roles, Bear in endurance, per player guides. Base stats are similar, so preference often dictates choice, enhanced by saddles.
Equipping Your Mount Before Matches
Pre-game customization ensures your preferred mount deploys automatically. From the main menu:
- Navigate to the Collection tab.
- Select the Mounts submenu.
- Preview Horse, Panther, Bear (defaults) or unlocked options like Eldergryph.
- Click equip—a checkmark confirms selection.
This locks in your ride for summoning in-game. Experiment in Collection to match your loadout.
Summoning and Controlling Mounts In-Game
Once base reinforcements and loadouts are set, prep time before Shieldbreaker demands mounting. Controls vary by platform:
- PC: Press X (or remap to Up).
- Console (PS5/Xbox): Double-tap jump button, or X then down for menu.
Your mount materializes instantly via Glyphstrands—mystical frequencies Wardens tap. Use run commands for bursts; primary weapons fire while riding, ideal for drive-bys despite recoil. Bottom-right UI shows health, summon/dismiss icons, and cooldowns post-destruction.
Dismiss via the icon to conserve health or reposition. Run command boosts speed; hold directional inputs for navigation across Highguard’s mythical terrains.
Upgrading Mounts with Saddles
Saddles elevate mount performance, scaling health and speed by rarity. Acquire them via:
- Map chests for random drops.
- Crystal trades at vendors.
- Post-respawn loadout shop purchases.
Rarer saddles cost more but yield superior buffs, essential for late-game dominance. Prioritize during loot hunts alongside guns, armor, and amulets.
Exclusive Mount Skins and Unlock Methods
Skins add flair without stat changes, locked behind bundles bought with Highguard Gold (real-money). Defaults are free; legendaries demand investment.
Horse Skins
| Skin | Rarity | Unlock Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Default | Common | Start of game |
| Blood Mare | Legendary | Red Reign |
| Bluebelle | Legendary | Nightshade |
| Stormchaser | Legendary | Lightkeeper |
| Smokeshow | Legendary | Red Dragon |
Panther Skins
- Default: Free from launch.
- Highland Tiger: Bundle-exclusive (details in shops).
Bear Skins
| Skin | Rarity | Unlock Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Default | Common | Start of game |
| Honeyduke | Legendary | First Sight |
| Ursus Maximus | Legendary | Pit Fighters |
| Blood Moss | Legendary | Wildguard |
Eldergryph unlocks directly with Gold. Check in-game store for rotations.
Tactical Tips for Mount Mastery
Leverage mounts for:
- Early Game: Scout loot post-prep, outpace rivals to chests.
- Mid-Game: Drive-bys with SMGs; dismount for tight fights.
- Late-Game: Saddle-upgraded Bears tank Shieldbreaker pushes.
Avoid over-reliance—mount loss exposes you. Pair with team for escorts. Recoil hinders precision; practice bursts.
Common Pitfalls and Fixes
- Mount Destroyed? Wait cooldown; foot it or ally-ride.
- Wrong Mount? Re-equip in Collection between queues.
- Saddle Shortage? Prioritize crystal farming over gear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I summon a mount on PC?
Press X or remapped Up key for instant Glyphstrand activation.
Can mounts use all weapons?
Yes, primaries like rifles/SMGs, but recoil increases—aim steady.
Are mount stats identical?
Base yes, but specialties (speed/tank) and saddles differentiate.
Free vs. Paid Mounts?
Horse/Panther/Bear free; Eldergryph Gold-only.
Dismiss mount controls?
Bottom-right icon; quick for stealth or repairs.
Master these for Highguard supremacy—ride hard, loot smart.
References
- How To Change Your Mount In Highguard – TheGamer — TheGamer. 2024. https://www.thegamer.com/highguard-mounts-unlock-all-skins-how-to-use/
- All Mounts in Highguard | Beebom — Beebom. 2024. https://beebom.com/highguard-mounts/
- How To Summon Mount in Highguard – YouTube — YouTube. 2024.
- Highguard Mount Guide: Everything You Need To Know — Deltias Gaming. 2024. https://deltiasgaming.com/highguard-mount-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/