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 captivates players with its enigmatic mechanics, adding layers of mystery as you navigate and master its intricacies. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial element in the game's targeting mechanics.

While locking onto a target can enhance your focus on a single enemy, it's not always the best approach. In Hyper Light Breaker, the lock-on feature shines in specific one-on-one scenarios. This guide will walk you through how to effectively target enemies and provide insights on when to utilize the lock-on feature versus the default free camera mode in this thrilling Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target a specific enemy, center your view on your target and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game should automatically identify the correct target, even amidst a crowd of enemies. Your view will slightly zoom in, 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're visible on your screen and within range, you can initiate a lock-on.

When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement dynamics while the camera remains focused on your target. This can lead to circular movements around the enemy, and rapid camera shifts by fast-moving foes can alter your directional inputs mid-movement.

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

To disengage from a lock-on and revert to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. You can customize this control in the game's settings. If you stray too far from your target, the lock-on will automatically disengage.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Locking onto a target is advantageous in certain scenarios but can be restrictive and risky in others. It's best to lock on during one-on-one encounters, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after you've cleared out all other foes.

Since the camera focuses solely on your locked target, other enemies can exploit your blind spots, making group battles more challenging.

For most of the game, the free camera mode offers greater flexibility. When facing multiple or weaker enemies that you can dispatch quickly, sticking to free cam is advisable as it allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings and react swiftly to threats.

However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss after clearing out lesser enemies, locking on can keep the target centered on your screen, aiding in focused attacks. If additional enemies appear, disengage the lock-on to handle them, then re-lock on the boss once the area is clear.

For instance, during an Extraction, you'll encounter several waves of regular enemies before facing a mini-boss. It's wise to use free cam until you've dealt with all the waves, then switch to lock-on to focus solely on the mini-boss without distractions.