Highguard vs DEATHLOOP

• Perspective: First-Person
• Multiplayer: Asymmetrical PvP (Colt vs. Julianna)
• Setting: Blackreef Island (Subarctic, Alternate 1960s)
• Platforms: PC (Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (added later)
• Unique Feature: Time Loop Assassination Puzzle, Playable Antagonist (Julianna), Supernatural Slabs & Trinkets System, Stylish 1960s Psychedelic Aesthetic, Immersive Sim Design.

• None (Gameplay - Colt's Perspective): Colt Vahn operates as a lone assassin throughout his attempts to break the loop. He does not have any AI companions that follow him or assist in combat during his playthrough.
• Julianna Blake (Via Radio Comms & Invasions): While primarily an antagonist, Julianna is a constant presence via radio, engaging in witty, taunting, and sometimes informative banter with Colt. When she invades (as AI or another player), she acts as a direct, intelligent adversary, but not a companion.
  Human (Visionary)
• Themselves (Multiple Wenjies): Dr. Wenjie Evans has multiple versions of herself existing simultaneously in her lab due to time loop experiments. While these are all 'Wenjie' and act as enemies, they can sometimes interact with each other or be manipulated by Colt, creating a unique dynamic unlike traditional companions.
  Human (Visionary Clones)

• Slabs & Slab Upgrades: Slabs (supernatural powers) are initially acquired by assassinating the Visionary who possesses them. Slab Upgrades are earned by defeating that Visionary again in subsequent loops, or by defeating an invading Julianna who is using that Slab. These upgrades enhance the functionality of each Slab (e.g., Shift can be upgraded to allow hovering or reaching further).
• Trinkets (Character & Weapon): Found throughout Blackreef in containers, on Eternalists, or as rewards for completing small objectives or puzzles. Character Trinkets provide passive buffs to Colt (e.g., increased health, double jump, faster movement). Weapon Trinkets enhance firearms (e.g., faster reload, increased accuracy, silenced shots, elemental bullets).
• Residuum: A shimmering energy resource collected from glowing objects, downed Visionaries, or by sacrificing unwanted Infused gear. Used at the end of each time period (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening) to 'Infuse' weapons, Slabs, and Trinkets, allowing them to be carried over to the next loop. Essential for permanent progression.
• Documents (Notes, Letters, Schematics, Audiologs): Readable or listenable lore items found throughout all districts. They provide crucial backstory on the AEON Program, the Visionaries, Colt's past, Julianna's motivations, the nature of the time loop, and clues for assassinating targets or solving puzzles. Key to unraveling Blackreef's mystery.
• Weapon & Gear Tiers (Common, Rare, Epic - Indicated by color): Weapons and some Trinkets can be found in different rarity tiers, with higher tiers often having more perk slots or better base stats. Colt will typically seek out higher-tier versions of his preferred gear.
• Leads & Discoveries (Visionary Leads, Arsenal Leads): Information gathered by Colt that is tracked in his menu. Visionary Leads provide clues about targets' schedules, weaknesses, and how to manipulate events to line them up for assassination. Arsenal Leads point towards unique weapons or powerful Slabs/Trinkets.

• Time Loop & Repetition
• Breaking Cycles
• Assassination & Espionage
• Investigation & Puzzle Solving
• Rivalry & Pursuit
• Existentialism & Memory
• 1960s Psychedelic Aesthetic
• Free Will vs. Determinism
• Secrets & Conspiracies
• Supernatural Powers

• Pistols (PT-6 'Spiker', Tribunal, .44 Karat Fourpounder - Unique): Handgun (Nailgun, Semi-Auto, Revolver)
  Includes a silent nailgun (Spiker), standard semi-auto pistols, and powerful revolvers. Customizable with Trinkets.
• Submachine Guns (LIMP-10, MG-1 'Pepper Mill'): Automatic (Close to Medium Range)
  Rapid-firing weapons for close-quarters combat. The Pepper Mill is a heavier SMG/LMG hybrid. Customizable with Trinkets.
• Shotguns (Strelak 50-50, Vopat Trencher): Close Quarters (High Damage)
  Pump-action and automatic shotguns for devastating close-range damage. Customizable with Trinkets.
• Rifles (Rapier, Sepulchra Breteira - Unique Sniper): Semi-Auto / Bolt-Action (Medium to Long Range)
  Includes versatile semi-auto rifles and the powerful Sepulchra Breteira sniper rifle. Customizable with Trinkets.
• Unique Weapons (Constancy Automatic, HALPS Prototype, Strelak Verso, Heritage Gun, etc.): Legendary/Special
  Special named weapons with unique properties, appearances, and often powerful pre-set perks or functionalities (e.g., Strelak Verso transforms between dual pistols and an SMG, HALPS Prototype is a laser cannon). Acquired through specific quests, puzzles, or by killing Visionaries.
• Machete: Primary Melee
  Colt's default and always-equipped melee weapon. Used for stealth takedowns, breaking objects, and close-quarters combat. Can be infused for temporary buffs.
• Grenades (Frag, Proximity): Throwable Explosive
  Standard fragmentation grenades and proximity-triggered mines for area denial and dealing with groups.
• Hackamajig: Utility Tool (Hacking)
  Colt's device for hacking security systems, turrets, sensors, and distracting enemies. Can be upgraded via Trinkets.
• Slab Powers (Shift, Aether, Karnesis, Nexus, Havoc, Fugue): Supernatural Abilities
  Powerful abilities acquired from Visionaries. Shift (teleport), Aether (invisibility), Karnesis (telekinesis), Nexus (links enemies), Havoc (damage/defense buff), Fugue (confuses enemies). Each has multiple upgrades.

• No Traditional Armor System: Colt Vahn does not equip different pieces of armor with varying defensive stats. His survivability is primarily determined by his base health, which can be increased by specific Character Trinkets, and his skill in using Slabs (like Havoc for damage reduction or Aether for invisibility), stealth, and combat.
• Character Trinkets (Defensive Perks): Colt can equip a limited number of Character Trinkets that provide passive buffs. Some of these offer defensive benefits, such as increased maximum health, faster health regeneration, damage resistance, or reduced damage from specific sources (e.g., falls, explosions). These function as his primary 'armor' system.
• Slab Abilities (Defensive Uses): Certain Slabs, like Havoc (which absorbs damage and unleashes it), Aether (invisibility for evasion), or Shift (for quick escapes), provide significant defensive capabilities when used effectively.
• Reprise Ability: Colt has a built-in 'Reprise' ability that allows him to die twice within a single district/time period before the loop fully resets for that district attempt. This acts as a form of extra lives or resilience.

• Colt Vahn's Attire (Default & Unlockable Skins): Colt has a signature default outfit (leather jacket, turtleneck). Players can unlock additional cosmetic skins for Colt through game progression, special editions (e.g., 'Party Crasher' skin), or updates. These change his appearance but offer no gameplay advantages.
• Julianna Blake's Attire (Default & Unlockable Skins): Julianna also has a default outfit and can unlock additional cosmetic skins for when she is player-controlled in the 'Protect the Loop' mode (e.g., 'Sharp Shooter' skin).
• Weapon Skins (Limited): Some unique or Deluxe Edition weapons come with specific skins. A broader weapon skin customization system is not a primary feature, though Trinkets can sometimes alter weapon appearance slightly or add visual effects.

Wardens utilize a hybrid system of firearms and 'Arcane Enhancements.' Abilities include elemental projectile spells, a 'shocking heart-rip' execution, and a signature knife-throw with high tactical utility. Players specialize in roles such as Breacher, Battlefield Controller, or Covering Fire.

The game features massive, diverse maps including Bastion (fertile plains and woodlands), Casinea (mountainous quarries and mines), and Reikos (a liberated region defined by ruin and new beginnings). These large-scale environments are designed for both on-foot parkour and mounted traversal.

• No Player-Controlled Vehicles (General Traversal)
  Colt Vahn primarily traverses the districts of Blackreef on foot, utilizing his parkour-like agility and supernatural Slab abilities (like Shift for teleportation). There are no player-drivable cars, bikes, or other traditional vehicles for general exploration within the districts.
• Tunnels / Access Points (Between Districts & Time Periods): Map Transition Mechanic
  Colt travels between the four main districts (Updaam, Karl's Bay, Fristad Rock, The Complex) and advances the time of day (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening) by returning to his underground tunnels/bunker and selecting his next destination and time slot from a map interface. This transition involves a loading screen and is how the 'loop' progresses from one segment to the next.
• Contextual Traversal Aids (e.g., Ramps for Sliding, Cranes, Rooftops): Environmental Elements
  Levels are designed with verticality and interconnectedness, featuring environmental elements like ramps for sliding, rooftops for parkour, cranes, or other structures that Colt can interact with or use to his advantage for traversal and stealthy approaches.

• Colt Vahn ('The Captain'): Protagonist / Assassin
  The main playable character. An assassin trapped in a time loop on Blackreef with amnesia. He is determined to break the loop by assassinating the eight Visionaries. Known for his wisecracking personality and resourcefulness.
• Julianna Blake ('Jules', 'Archives Lass'): Antagonist / Rival Assassin / Visionary
  Head of security for the AEON Program and a Visionary. She is also trapped in the loop and actively hunts Colt to protect it, engaging in witty and often taunting radio conversations. Can be controlled by another player or AI.
• Aleksis 'The Wolf' Dorsey: Visionary / AEON Program Financier
  A hedonistic and narcissistic businessman who throws an extravagant wolf-themed party every night in Updaam. One of Colt's assassination targets.
• Egor Serling: Visionary / AEON Program Scientist
  A paranoid and eccentric scientist obsessed with self-experimentation and achieving breakthroughs, often found in The Complex or Fristad Rock conducting research.
• Dr. Wenjie Evans: Visionary / AEON Program Lead Scientist
  The brilliant but cold lead scientist behind the AEON Program and the time loop. Multiple versions of her exist simultaneously in her lab in The Complex due to her experiments.
• Harriet Morse: Visionary / AEON Program 'Spiritual Leader'
  A cult-like figure who preaches to the Eternalists in Karl's Bay, leading them in bizarre rituals.
• Frank Spicer: Visionary / AEON Program Musician & Radio Host
  A former rockstar who now runs Blackreef's radio station from his club in Fristad Rock. Known for his ego and elaborate security.
• Charlie Montague: Visionary / AEON Program Game Designer
  A game designer who has turned his district (Updaam) into a series of elaborate live-action role-playing games, often using Eternalists as participants.
• Fia Zborowska: Visionary / AEON Program Artist & Archivist
  An artist with a volatile temper, obsessed with a doomsday scenario. She has a secret bunker in Fristad Rock and a complicated relationship with Charlie Montague.
• Eternalists (Generic NPCs): Inhabitants of Blackreef / Cultists
  The general populace of Blackreef, devoted to the AEON Program and the time loop. They act as common enemies, often engaging in hedonistic or bizarre activities until alerted to Colt's presence.

• Visionary Leads (Assassination Storylines)
  The core progression involves pursuing 'Visionary Leads' for each of the eight targets. These are multi-step investigations across different districts and times of day, where Colt uncovers clues about a Visionary's schedule, habits, weaknesses, relationships, and potential ways to manipulate events to make them vulnerable or gather them with other targets. Completing these leads allows Colt to set up the 'perfect loop' to eliminate all targets in one day.
• Arsenal Leads (Weapon & Slab Acquisition)
  Specific leads that guide Colt towards acquiring powerful unique weapons, Slabs (supernatural powers from Visionaries), or significant Slab upgrades. These often involve solving puzzles, infiltrating specific locations at certain times, or defeating a Visionary for the first time.
• Discoveries & Side Puzzles
  Numerous smaller optional tasks, environmental puzzles, hidden safes, or mini-stories found by exploring Blackreef. These can reward Colt with valuable Trinkets, weapons, Residuum, lore documents, or open up new pathways and opportunities within a district.
• Breaking the Loop (The Final Day)
  Once Colt has gathered all necessary information and set up the required conditions by manipulating events in previous loops, he can attempt the 'final day' sequence. This involves executing a precise plan to assassinate all eight Visionaries across the four districts and time periods, culminating in a final confrontation or decision to break the time loop.
• Protect the Loop (Playing as Julianna - Online PvP)
  When playing as Julianna, the objective is to invade another player's (Colt's) game session and hunt them down. Julianna wins by killing Colt enough times to force him to reset his current district attempt. She has her own progression, loadouts, and can use map knowledge and traps to her advantage.

1. Protect the Loop (Online PvP): Players can choose to invade another player's game (who is playing as Colt) as Julianna Blake. Julianna's objective is to hunt down and kill Colt, protecting the time loop. She has her own progression, loadouts, and abilities. This mode can also be set to 'Friends Only' or 'Offline' (where Julianna is AI-controlled). 2. Single-Player Campaign (as Colt): The primary mode where players control Colt Vahn, attempting to assassinate the eight Visionaries and break the time loop, while also being hunted by an AI or player-controlled Julianna.

Available in Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. Deluxe Edition included unique weapons (Transtar Trencher, Eat The Rich Tribunal, .44 Karat Fourpounder), character skins ('Party Crasher' Colt, 'Sharp Shooter' Julianna), and original soundtrack selections. Pre-order bonuses often included additional cosmetic items or trinkets.

A major free update, 'GOLDENLOOP,' was released, adding a new powerful weapon (HALPS Prototype), a new ability (Fugue Slab - makes enemies confused), new enemy types (Paint-Bomber Eternalist), an extended ending, new Trinkets, and cross-play for PvP. No major paid story expansions have been released.

• Q: Is Highguard a Battle Royale?
  A: No, it is a objective-based PvP Raid Shooter.
• Q: Does it have Titanfall movement?
  A: Yes, wall-running is a confirmed part of the Warden mobility kit.
• Q: Is it purely PvP?
  A: It is primarily PvP, but features minor PvE encounters to power up during matches.

• Q: What is the main objective in DEATHLOOP?
  A: The main objective is to break the time loop by assassinating all eight Visionaries on Blackreef island within a single day. This requires investigating their routines, finding ways to get them in the same place or eliminate them efficiently across four time periods (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening) in four different districts.
• Q: How does the time loop mechanic work?
  A: The day on Blackreef resets at the end of the Evening, or if Colt dies three times within a single district visit (his 'Reprise' ability allows two revivals). When the loop resets, non-Infused weapons, Slabs, and Trinkets are lost, and Visionaries/Eternalists respawn. However, Colt retains all learned information (Leads) and any gear he has 'Infused' with Residuum.
• Q: What is Infusion and Residuum?
  A: Residuum is a resource Colt collects from glowing objects or by sacrificing gear. Between time periods (e.g., when returning to his bunker), Colt can spend Residuum to 'Infuse' weapons, Slabs, and Trinkets he wants to keep. Infused items will carry over to subsequent loops, allowing for permanent progression of his loadout.
• Q: Can another player really hunt you as Julianna?
  A: Yes, DEATHLOOP features an optional online multiplayer mode called 'Protect the Loop.' If enabled, another player can invade your game as Julianna Blake, with the objective of killing Colt. You can also set this to 'Friends Only' or 'Offline' (where an AI Julianna will invade).
• Q: Are Slabs like Dishonored's powers?
  A: Yes, Slabs are very similar to the supernatural powers found in Arkane's Dishonored series. They grant unique abilities like teleportation (Shift), invisibility (Aether), telekinesis (Karnesis), linking enemies (Nexus), and a combat buff (Havoc). They are acquired from Visionaries and can be upgraded.
• Q: Is DEATHLOOP connected to the Dishonored universe?
  A: While not officially confirmed as a direct sequel or prequel, there are numerous fan theories and subtle hints within DEATHLOOP (and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider) that suggest a possible connection or shared multiverse between the two Arkane franchises. However, DEATHLOOP can be fully enjoyed as a standalone story.

Developed on Arkane's Void Engine, DEATHLOOP features a striking art style inspired by 1960s aesthetics, with bold colors, psychedelic patterns, and retro-futuristic designs. Blackreef's districts are visually distinct and detailed. The game uses stylized character models and environments, focusing on artistic direction over photorealism, though with high technical fidelity.

Original score composed by Tom Salta, with contributions from other artists like Sencit Music and Erich Talaba. Features a distinctive soundtrack blending 1960s spy thriller themes, psychedelic rock, jazz, and electronic elements, creating a unique and memorable audio identity. In-game licensed tracks also feature. Sound design is crucial for detecting enemies, environmental cues, and the distinct sounds of Slabs and special weapons.

Features a stylish, 1960s-inspired HUD displaying health, power (for Slabs), equipped weapons/Slabs, and objective markers. A leads system helps track clues and Visionary movements across districts and times of day. Menus for loadouts, Slabs, Trinkets, discoveries, and objectives are accessible. Colt's inner monologue and interactions with Julianna provide constant narrative and guidance.

Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), extensive subtitle and caption customization, options for aim assist strength, adjustable UI element size, colorblind modes, options to reduce head bob/motion blur, and various gameplay toggles for difficulty and HUD elements.

• Official PC system requirements provided by Wildlight Entertainment. An NVMe SSD is highly recommended for optimal asset streaming of destructible environments.
• Laptop Performance Note: Mobile performance will vary by TGP and cooling. **High-performance laptops (NVIDIA RTX 3070 Mobile / RTX 4060 Mobile) are recommended for stable frames during intense multi-phase raid encounters.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: High TGP is preferred for managing arcane particle effects and destruction physics.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The intensity of siege warfare can tax hardware; ensure active cooling to prevent stuttering.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Modern multi-core mobile CPUs are essential for handling the complex AI of siege engines.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Recommended to minimize latency in high-stakes PvP gunfights.
• Game Name: Highguard

• Official PC system requirements from Arkane Lyon/Bethesda. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially those with many NPCs or complex geometry), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal loading times within the loop structure.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and good cooling. **DEATHLOOP can be demanding, particularly at higher settings or resolutions, due to its detailed environments and dynamic AI.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI pathfinding and managing the dynamic loop events.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0 & 2.0. NVIDIA DLSS support is not native but might be achievable via mods or driver-level settings for some users.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Model Detail, Ambient Occlusion (HBAO+), View Distance, Anti-Aliasing, and Post-Processing effects heavily impact performance.
• Game Name: DEATHLOOP

• Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0 & 2.0. NVIDIA DLSS support is not native but might be achievable via mods or driver-level settings for some users.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Model Detail, Ambient Occlusion (HBAO+), View Distance, Anti-Aliasing, and Post-Processing effects heavily impact performance.

• G P U T G P: High TGP is preferred for managing arcane particle effects and destruction physics.
• Cooling Thermals: The intensity of siege warfare can tax hardware; ensure active cooling to prevent stuttering.
• C P U Power Limits: Modern multi-core mobile CPUs are essential for handling the complex AI of siege engines.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Recommended to minimize latency in high-stakes PvP gunfights.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
• C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI pathfinding and managing the dynamic loop events.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.