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Hyper Light Breaker is a game shrouded in mystery, where players must uncover its mechanics to master its gameplay. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial targeting mechanic that can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness.
While locking onto an enemy can keep you focused on a single target, 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 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 crowd, unless the enemy is obscured. 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're visible on-screen and within range, you can initiate a lock-on.
When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera focused on your target. This can cause your movements to circle around the enemy, and fast-moving targets can shift the camera abruptly, potentially altering your character's direction mid-move.
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 disengage from a lock-on and revert to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. You can also customize this control in the game's settings. If you move too far from your target, the lock-on will automatically cancel.
When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?
Locking on is advantageous in certain scenarios but can be risky and restrictive in others. Use lock-on during one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing out other nearby threats.
The camera's focus on a single target during lock-on can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies in your blind spots, making it challenging to handle 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 little need to lock on, as it may hinder your awareness and reaction to surrounding threats.
However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss after clearing out all lesser enemies, lock on to keep the boss centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, cancel the lock-on to manage them, then re-engage the lock-on to focus solely on the boss once the area is clear.
For instance, during Extraction phases, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's best to maintain free cam until all regular enemies are defeated, then lock onto the mini-boss to focus your efforts without distractions.
