Hyper Light Breaker: How To Lock-On Target

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• How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

• When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Hyper Light Breaker's enigmatic gameplay unfolds as players gradually master its mechanics. One crucial, yet often overlooked, element is the lock-on targeting system. While locking on provides focused combat against a single enemy, it's not always the optimal strategy. This guide details enemy targeting and advises when to utilize lock-on versus free camera mode in this synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target an enemy, center your view on them and press the right analog stick (R3). The game will automatically select the closest target, unless it's surrounded by others. The view will zoom slightly, and a reticle will appear around your target.

Line of sight isn't required for lock-on. As long as the enemy is visible on-screen and within range, you can target it.

Lock-on alters character movement and camera control. The camera remains fixed on your target, causing your movements to generally circle them. Fast-moving enemies can make the camera perspective erratic, potentially affecting your directional inputs.

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

To cancel lock-on and return to the free camera, press the right analog stick again. This can be customized in the game's settings. Lock-on will also automatically disengage if you move too far from your target.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Lock-on is beneficial in specific scenarios but can be risky in others. Use it during one-on-one encounters, such as boss fights or against strong (yellow health bar) enemies, after eliminating all other threats.

The exclusive camera focus on one target leaves you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies in your blind spots. Managing groups becomes significantly more challenging.

Free camera mode is generally more advantageous. When facing multiple enemies, or weaker enemies easily dispatched, lock-on is unnecessary and can hinder your situational awareness.

However, against mini-bosses or bosses (after clearing weaker enemies), lock-on keeps the target centered for focused attacks. Cancel lock-on if other enemies appear, then re-engage once they're eliminated.

For example, during Extraction, you face waves of enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might spawn while other enemies are still present. In this case, maintain free camera mode until all weaker enemies are defeated, then lock onto the mini-boss for a concentrated assault.