Wildgate is a new title from Dreamhaven and Moonshot Games—two companies worth keeping an eye on. The team is made up of a solid group of industry veterans, led by Mike Morhaime, and they bring a wealth of experience to the table. I have some strong personal opinions about where the gaming industry has been heading, and for those of us who remember the old Blizzard days, you could always feel the innovation and attention to detail in their games. I got that same feeling from Wildgate, even in its playtest phase—it has a certain spark to it. This game has real potential to go the distance. I could easily go on a long soapbox rant comparing the old industry to some of today’s challenges, but that’s a topic for another time. Still, it’s hard not to wonder: are we seeing the rise of a new name in gaming, one that’s ready to take on the giants? Marvel Rivals showed that there is plenty of room and Overwatch is far from the de facto now in its FPS game type.
After spending time in the playtest, I think something new and exciting is coming up. Horizon’s the limit!
Who’s Behind Wildgate?
Dreamhaven and Moonshot may be relatively new studios, but their teams are packed with industry veterans, including former Blizzard developers. That experience shines through in Wildgate’s presentation and polish. These are developers who clearly understand gameplay feel, balance, and world-building—and it shows.
What Is Wildgate?
At its heart, Wildgate is a first-person shooter, but it mixes in elements of exploration, teamwork, and strategy. You drop into a map with five teams of four, each racing to find an artifact hidden in the environment while dealing with enemy players and dangerous AI opponents. It’s PvPvE, but it doesn’t fit cleanly into the usual “extraction shooter” mold.
There are two main ways to win:
- Eliminate all other players, or
- Escape through the Wildgate with the artifact.
That dual-win system keeps matches interesting and allows different strategies to shine. Do you gear up for war or sneak your way to victory? The game gives you room to decide.
How Does It Play?
Wildgate plays in distinct phases that help shape the flow of each match:
- Early Game: You’re looting, exploring, and scouting. It’s a quieter, more relaxed pace with a focus on building up your gear and learning the map.
- Mid Game: Tension ramps up. You’re hunting the artifact and watching other teams. When to engage or avoid a fight becomes a big decision.
- Late Game: Things get chaotic fast. Whoever has the artifact becomes the target, and fights around the Wildgate are intense. It’s all or nothing.
Combat
Combat feels tight and satisfying. Each character, called a Prospector, brings their own strengths and trade-offs. Want to play as a tanky defender? A fast-moving scout? A heavy-hitting brawler? There’s room for different playstyles.
Every prospector has:
- Two weapon slots
- Two utility slots
- Unique perks and abilities
There’s also a smart progression system tied to “Adventures,” which function a bit like battle passes. As you level them up, you unlock new weapons, ship upgrades, and skins.
How Polished Is It?
For a playtest build, Wildgate is impressively polished. The UI is clean, the gunplay feels good, and the progression system is easy to follow. PvE enemies are no joke—some areas can one-shot you if you’re not prepared—so you’re always thinking ahead.
The game also includes ships, which act like mobile bases and loadout stations. These can be upgraded with add-ons, adding a cool layer of strategy between matches.
What Could the Future Look Like?
Wildgate is already off to a strong start, but its real strength may be in how well it’s built for growth. There’s room for:
- More prospectors
- New map zones
- Additional game modes
- Even deeper customization
It also seems easier to follow than games like Overwatch, which could give it a solid edge for streaming and content creation. Viewers can grasp what’s happening quickly, which is great for creators and audiences alike.
Final Thoughts and Rating
Wildgate isn’t just another shooter—it’s a well-designed, high-energy game that mixes exploration, strategy, and fast-paced combat in a way that feels both new and familiar. The PvE adds stakes, the artifact adds tension, and the two win conditions give every team a shot, even late in the game.
If Dreamhaven and Moonshot keep refining this formula, Wildgate could be a breakout hit.
Rating: 9/10
Great combat, strong teamplay, and a world worth jumping into.