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 as they navigate its Synthwave roguelite world. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial targeting mechanic that can significantly impact your gameplay experience.

While locking onto a target can help maintain focus on a single enemy, it's not always the best approach. The lock-on feature in Hyper Light Breaker 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 versus the default free camera mode.

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 (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 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 target them.

When you lock on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera focused on your target. This can lead to circling movements around the enemy, and fast-moving targets can cause rapid camera shifts, potentially altering your character's direction 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 cancel the lock-on and return to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. This setting can be customized in the game's menu. 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 is advantageous in certain situations but can be risky and restrictive in others. Use the lock-on feature during one-on-one encounters, such as against bosses or strong enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing out other nearby enemies.

The camera's exclusive focus on one target can leave you 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 reaction to surrounding threats.

However, when facing a mini-boss or boss after clearing out all minor enemies, locking on can help keep the target centered on your screen. If other enemies appear, disengage the lock-on to handle them, then re-engage to focus on the boss once they're alone.

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 cleared, then lock onto the mini-boss to concentrate your efforts without distractions.