# Wolf-Based Shape-Shifting Hero Debuts Highguard adds Ekon and A New Wolf Mount By Debra John | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-02-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapeshifting-hero References: [pcgamer](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/highguard-is-adding-a-new-hero-who-turns-into-wolf-and-a-new-wolf-mount-that-everyone-else-can-ride-around-on-but-no-theyre-not-the-same-guy/)  Highguard Episode two, developed by Wildlight, introduced a shapeshifting hero named 'Ekon' featuring a direwolf form that players can control directly, with abilities tied to speed, scent-tracking and a bite dash. The episode launched on February 6 and also added a shared wolf mount that any player can ride, continuing the update's lupine theme. Beyond the characters, Episode two brought a large new map called the lost city of Skydrift, built on floating rocks with chain bridges and Sky Jumpers, plus changes to the Gear Up phase, a new stats menu and multiple quality-of-life fixes. Ranked play debuted for [3v3 matches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/overwatch-2-stadium) with two Ranked Splits per episode, seven rank tiers and end-of-episode rewards. For players this matters because Ekon and the mount alter movement and scouting dynamics, shifting tactics around mobility and tracking. The update signals a trend toward mobility-first heroes and [seasonal ranked systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squad-busters-update) that keep [online shooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/destiny-rising) evolving their core loop. Image Credit: Wildlight Entertainment ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 64% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Related on Trend Hunter - [New Sci-Fi Game Seasons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redacted-regiment.md) - [Open-World Survival Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runescape-dragonwilds.md) - [Loot-Focused Gaming Augments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ARC-Raiders-1.md) - [Book Series-Inspired Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warrior-cats.md) - [High-Performance Mountaineering Apparel Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highperformance-mountaineering.md) - [Extended Survival Game DLCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elden-ring-nightreign-1.md) - [Remastered Classic MMO Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guild-wars-reforged.md) - [Multi-Genre Game Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omeda-studios-predecessor.md) - [Casual Animal-Herding Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herdling.md)