Hyper Light Breaker: Mastering Lock-On Targeting

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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, enhancing the game's enigmatic allure. One crucial mechanic is the lock-on system, a key element in mastering the game's combat. While locking onto enemies can be beneficial, it's not always the best approach. The lock-on feature in Hyper Light Breaker is ideal for specific scenarios, particularly one-on-one battles. This guide will walk you through how to target enemies effectively 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, center your view on your target and press in the right analog stick on your controller (R3). The game should 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 target.

You don't need a direct line of sight to lock onto an enemy; as long as they're visible on-screen and within range, you can initiate a lock-on.

When you lock on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement while the camera stays focused on your target. This often results in your character circling the enemy, which can be disorienting if the target moves quickly, causing the camera to shift abruptly. Your movement inputs may change direction unexpectedly during these shifts.

To switch targets while locked on, simply move the right analog stick left or right. The targeting 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. You can also customize this control in the game's settings. If you move too far from your target, the lock-on will automatically disengage.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Locking on can be advantageous in specific situations but can also be restrictive and risky in others. It's best to lock onto a target during one-on-one fights, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing out all other nearby threats.

Locking on focuses the camera on a single enemy, making you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies in your blind spots, complicating encounters with multiple foes.

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 little need to lock on, as it can limit your situational awareness and reaction time.

However, when battling a mini-boss or boss and the area is clear of other enemies, locking on can help keep the boss centered on your screen. If other enemies appear, disengage the lock-on to manage them, then re-engage once the boss is isolated.

For instance, during an Extraction, you'll face waves of regular enemies before encountering a mini-boss. It's wise to maintain free cam until all minor threats are neutralized, then lock onto the mini-boss to focus your attack when it's safe to do so.