Hyper Light Breaker: Mastering Lock-On Targeting
Quick Links
Hyper Light Breaker is shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left for players to discover, enhancing the game's allure as you unravel its intricacies. One crucial feature is the lock-on system, the game's primary targeting mechanic.
While locking onto a target can help maintain focus on a single enemy, it's not always the best approach. In Hyper Light Breaker, the lock-on mechanic is most effective in specific one-on-one scenarios. This guide will walk you through how to target enemies and provide insights on when to use lock-on versus the default free camera mode in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.
How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker
To target a specific enemy, simply center your view on them and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically identify the correct target, even within a large group of enemies. Your view will zoom in slightly, and a reticle will appear around your chosen target.
You don't need a direct line of sight to lock onto an enemy. As long as they are visible on-screen and within targeting range, you can engage the lock-on feature.
When you lock on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera focused on your target. This means your movements will circle around your target, and fast-moving enemies can cause rapid camera shifts, potentially altering your character's direction mid-movement.
To switch targets while locked on, move the right analog stick left or right. The reticle will jump to the nearest enemy within range.
To cancel the lock-on and revert to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. This setting can be customized in the game's menu. Additionally, the lock-on will automatically disengage if you move too far from your target.
When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?
Locking on can be advantageous in specific scenarios but can also be hazardous in others. Use the lock-on feature during one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or strong enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing all other enemies in the area.
Since the camera focuses solely on one target when locked on, you become vulnerable to attacks from other enemies in your blind spots, making it challenging to manage groups.
For most of the game, the free camera mode is more beneficial. When facing multiple or weaker enemies that you can dispatch quickly, there's no need to lock on, as it can limit your awareness and responsiveness to other threats.
However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss after clearing out all minor enemies, locking on can help keep the boss centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, cancel the lock-on, deal with them, and then refocus on the boss once they're alone.
For instance, during Extraction sequences, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might spawn while lesser enemies are still active. In such cases, it's better to use free cam until all regular enemies are cleared, then lock onto the mini-boss for a focused assault.





