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Hyper Light Breaker is shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left unexplained, enhancing the game's allure as players unravel its intricacies. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial targeting mechanic that players need to master.
While locking onto a target can help maintain focus on a single enemy, it's not always the best approach. 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 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 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 are visible on-screen and within targeting range, you can engage the lock-on feature.
When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement, with the camera focusing and following your target. This can result in your movements circling the target, and fast-moving enemies can cause sudden 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 control can be customized in the game settings. 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 can be advantageous in certain scenarios but can also be risky and restrictive in others. It's best to 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 all other surrounding mobs.
Since the camera focuses solely on the locked target, you become 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 enemies or weaker foes that you can dispatch quickly, there's little need to lock on. Doing so could limit your visibility and reaction time to other threats around you.
However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss after clearing out lesser enemies, locking on can help keep the boss centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, disengage the lock-on to handle them, then re-lock onto the boss once you're alone with it.
For instance, during an Extraction, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might spawn amidst ongoing enemy waves. In such cases, maintain the free camera mode until all regular enemies are dealt with, then lock onto the mini-boss for a focused takedown.
