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Hyper Light Breaker is shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left for players to discover and master. One of these essential mechanics is the lock-on system, which is crucial for effectively targeting enemies. While locking onto a target can help maintain focus, it's important to use it judiciously. This guide will detail how to target enemies and provide strategic insights on when to use the lock-on feature versus the default free camera mode in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.
How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker
To target an enemy in Hyper Light Breaker, center your view on the desired target and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically identify the correct target, even within a crowd, and your view will zoom slightly with a reticle appearing around the enemy.
You don't need a direct line of sight to lock on; as long as the enemy is visible on-screen and within range, you can target them. Once locked on, your character's movement adjusts to circle the target, and the camera follows, which can be disorienting if the enemy moves quickly. The camera's rapid shifts might alter your character's direction mid-movement.
To switch targets while locked on, move the right analog stick left or right; the reticle will jump to the nearest enemy. To return to the default third-person camera mode, press R3 again. This control can be customized in the game settings, and the lock-on will automatically cancel if you move too far from your target.
When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?
Locking on is advantageous in specific scenarios but can be risky in others. Use the lock-on feature during one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or tough enemies with yellow health bars, after clearing out other 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 challenging to handle groups. For most of the game, especially when facing multiple or weaker enemies, the free camera mode is more beneficial as it allows you to monitor and react to your surroundings effectively.
When confronting a mini-boss or boss, lock on only after ensuring no other enemies are present to disrupt your focus. If additional enemies appear, switch back to free cam until you've dealt with them, then re-lock on to finish off the boss.
For instance, during an Extraction event, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's wise to use free cam until all regular enemies are cleared, then lock onto the mini-boss to concentrate your efforts without distractions.
