Hyper Light Breaker: Lock-On Targeting Guide

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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 uncover as they delve deeper into its Synthwave roguelite world. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial targeting mechanic. While locking onto a target can help maintain focus on a single enemy, it's not always the best approach. This guide will walk you through how to effectively target enemies and provide insights on when to use the lock-on feature versus the default free camera mode.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target a specific enemy, first center your view on them. Then, press in the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically select the correct target, unless you're amidst a large group of enemies. Once locked on, 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 target them.

When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera focused on the target. This can cause your character to circle the enemy, and fast-moving foes might rapidly shift the camera perspective, potentially altering your movement direction mid-action.

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 return to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. This control can be customized in the game's settings menu. Additionally, moving too far from your target will automatically cancel the lock-on.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Locking on is advantageous in specific scenarios but can be restrictive and risky in others. Use the lock-on feature during one-on-one encounters, such as battles against bosses or strong enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing out other mobs.

The lock-on mechanism focuses the camera on a single target, making it difficult to monitor and react to other enemies, which can exploit your blind spots.

For most of the game, the free camera mode is more beneficial. It's particularly useful when facing multiple or weaker enemies that you can quickly dispatch. Locking on in these situations can limit your situational awareness.

However, when facing a mini-boss or boss after clearing out all minor threats, lock on to keep the boss centered on your screen. If other enemies appear, cancel the lock-on to handle them, then re-engage the boss once it's safe.

For instance, during Extraction phases, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's best to use free cam until all regular enemies are defeated, then lock onto the mini-boss for a focused attack.