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There are eight Wardens to choose from in Highguard, and as an Assault character, Slade might be a good option to try out early on (assuming you can get past the error messages). He’s a confident pyromaniac who seems like he’ll rack up a lot of kills, but it’s better to think about how his abilities can help your team rather than just focusing on damage.
Highguard’s raid shooter gameplay is busy and fast-paced, but Slade works best during battles for the Shieldbreaker and when you’re in a raid. Here, we’ll explain how to use each of his abilities effectively, and also highlight which weapons you should look for while looting.
How to Use Slade’s Abilities
Each Warden has three abilities, and here are what Slade’s do:
| Ability | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heatwave | Tactical | Sends out a wave of molten fire in the direction you aim. It spreads across the ground and can force enemies to take damage while they move through it. |
| Firebomb | Passive | Creates a magma circle on the ground that quickly expands, helping to push enemies out of cover or block doorways. It doesn’t explode but spreads magma. |
| Firestorm | Ultimate | Summons a rain of fire over a specific area. Use this during raids or defense to force enemies out of cover and do some chip damage. If you catch multiple enemies near their siege tower, it can lead to quick kills. |
Heatwave:
This ability can be used frequently. It creates a straight line of fire in the direction you aim, extending out quite far. It’s very useful for controlling choke points—like doorways or corners—by forcing enemies to take damage as they enter. It travels through objects pretty well, so placing it across a doorway can flush enemies out or weaken them before an attack.
Firebomb:
Although called passive, it modifies your grenade, which you actively throw. Instead of exploding, it forms a magma circle that expands rapidly. Use it to make enemies retreat from cover or block entrances. Its large area of effect makes it great for cutting off doorways or narrow passages.
Firestorm:
Since this is an ultimate ability, you’ll only have a few chances to use it per match. Timing is key, especially during raids. Use it early on to weaken attacking teams or during defense to control large zones. It can force enemies away and chip away at their health, and if you catch several enemies in its radius near a siege tower, you might eliminate some quickly.
Best Weapons to Use with Slade
Though labeled as an Assault Warden, Slade is most effective for close-range area denial. The best weapons for him are SMGs and shotguns. For SMGs, I recommend the Viper because of its fast firing rate. For shotguns, the Kraken works well, especially the legendary versions if you can find them.
It’s recommended to choose either an SMG or a shotgun—mixing one with a ranged weapon isn’t ideal. For your second slot, you’ll need a versatile weapon for shooting from a distance during fights for the Shieldbreaker. Both the Dynasty and Vanguard are solid choices, but I’ve found myself favoring the Longhorn. It’s good for low-zoom sniping, yet also effective at very close range, unlike the Ranger.
Since Highguard is free-to-play, it’s easy to get started. Learning any of the eight characters takes some time, but Slade is straightforward due to his fire abilities. Still, using his abilities creatively can turn the tide of a fight—just slinging fire randomly won’t cut it. Properly applying his skills in strategic ways can make a big difference in wins.



