Hyper Light Breaker: How To Lock-On Target

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• How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

• When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Hyper Light Breaker is shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left for players to discover as they navigate the Synthwave roguelite's captivating world. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial element for mastering combat. While locking onto a target can help maintain focus on a single enemy, it's not always the best approach. This guide delves into the nuances of targeting enemies in Hyper Light Breaker and provides insights on when to use the lock-on feature versus the default free camera mode.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To effectively target an enemy in Hyper Light Breaker, ensure your view is centered on the desired target, then press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically lock onto the correct enemy, unless they are amidst a large group. Upon locking on, your view will slightly zoom in, and a reticle will appear around your target.

Locking on doesn't require a direct line of sight; as long as the enemy is visible on your screen and within range, you can target them. When locked on, your character's movement will adjust to circle around the target, and the camera will follow them. Be aware that fast-moving enemies can cause rapid camera shifts, which might affect your movement inputs.

To switch targets while locked on, simply move the right analog stick left or right. The reticle will then jump to the nearest enemy within range. To disengage from the lock-on and return to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. This setting can be customized in the game's menu. Additionally, if you move too far from your target, the lock-on will automatically disengage.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Locking onto a target can be advantageous in specific scenarios but can also be restrictive and risky in others. It's beneficial to use the lock-on feature during one-on-one encounters, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, especially after you've cleared out other surrounding threats.

The lock-on feature narrows your focus to one enemy, which can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other directions. Therefore, free camera mode is generally more effective throughout most of the game, particularly when facing multiple enemies or weaker foes that can be dispatched swiftly. Locking on in these situations can hinder your situational awareness.

When confronting a mini-boss or boss, and after ensuring no other enemies are present, locking on can help keep the target centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, quickly disengage the lock-on to manage the new threats, then re-lock on the boss once you're clear.

For instance, during Extraction sequences, you'll encounter several waves of regular enemies before facing a mini-boss. It's advisable to use free cam until you've dealt with all minor threats, then lock onto the mini-boss for a focused attack when it's safe to do so.