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 an intriguing veil of mystery, with many mechanics left for players to uncover as they dive deeper into the game. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a pivotal targeting mechanic that can significantly influence your gameplay experience.

Locking onto an enemy is beneficial for keeping your focus on a single target, but it's not always the best strategy. In Hyper Light Breaker, the lock-on feature 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 in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target an enemy, center your view on the desired target and press in the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically select the correct enemy, even within a crowd. Your view will zoom in slightly, and a reticle will appear around the target.

You don't need direct line of sight to lock on; as long as the enemy is visible on-screen and within range, you can engage the lock-on feature.

When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera centered on the target. This can cause your movements to circle the enemy, and fast-moving targets can shift the camera perspective quickly, 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 disengage from a 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. Additionally, 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 scenarios but can be risky in others. Use the lock-on feature during one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing out any other nearby threats.

The lock-on system's focus on a single target can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies in your blind spots, making it less effective in group encounters.

For most of the game, the free camera mode offers greater flexibility and awareness. When facing multiple enemies or weaker foes that you can dispatch quickly, it's better to stay in free cam to maintain visibility and responsiveness to your surroundings.

However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss after clearing the area of lesser enemies, locking on can help you keep the boss centered in your view. If additional enemies appear, quickly switch back to free cam, then re-engage the lock-on once the boss is isolated again.

For instance, during an Extraction, you'll face waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's wise to use free cam until you've cleared all the waves, then lock onto the mini-boss for a focused attack once the area is clear.