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, leaving many of its mechanics for players to discover as they delve deeper into the game. One key feature that enhances gameplay is the lock-on system, which is essential for effective enemy targeting.

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 the lock-on feature versus the free camera mode in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target a specific enemy, first center your view on your chosen target and press in the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically identify the correct target, even within a crowd, although it may be less precise in large groups. 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 are visible on-screen and within range, you can initiate a lock-on.

When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the target centered on the screen. This can result in your character circling the enemy, and rapid movements by the enemy can cause the camera to shift abruptly, potentially altering your character's direction mid-movement.

To switch targets while locked on, simply move the right analog stick left or right. The targeting reticle will then jump to the nearest enemy within range.

To disengage the lock-on and revert to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. This control can be customized in the game's settings menu. The lock-on will also automatically cancel if you move too far from your target.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Locking on can be advantageous in certain scenarios but can also be restrictive and risky in others. Use the lock-on feature when engaging in one-on-one battles, particularly against bosses or strong enemies with yellow health bars, after clearing out other nearby threats.

Since locking on focuses your camera exclusively on one enemy, it can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies in your blind spots, making group encounters more challenging.

For the majority of the game, free camera mode is more beneficial. It's ideal when facing multiple enemies or weaker foes that you can dispatch quickly, as it allows you to maintain situational awareness and react more effectively to your surroundings.

However, when facing a mini-boss or boss and you've ensured no other enemies can interfere, locking on helps keep the boss centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, you should disengage the lock-on to deal with them, then re-engage once the boss is isolated again.

For instance, during an Extraction, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's best to use free cam until you've cleared the regular enemies, then lock onto the mini-boss once it's the last threat standing.