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Hyper Light Breaker is a game shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left for players to discover and master. One crucial element is the lock-on system, which serves as the game's primary targeting mechanic. While locking onto an enemy can be beneficial for focusing on a single target, it's not always the best approach. This guide will walk you through how to target enemies in Hyper Light Breaker and provide insights on when to use the lock-on feature versus the default free camera mode in this immersive Synthwave roguelite.
How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker
To target a specific enemy, center your view on the target and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically select the correct target, unless it's within a large group of enemies. Your view will zoom in slightly, and a reticle will appear around the targeted enemy.
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 target them.
When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement, with the camera focusing and following the target. This means your movements will often circle the target, and fast-moving enemies can cause rapid camera shifts, which might affect your character's direction mid-movement.
To switch targets while locked on, move the right analog stick left or right. The targeting 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 setting can be customized in the game's settings menu. 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 specific scenarios but can be risky and restrictive in others. Use the lock-on feature during one-on-one encounters, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing all other threats.
Since the camera focuses solely on one target, other enemies can exploit your blind spots, making it challenging to manage groups.
For most of the game, the free camera mode is more effective. When facing multiple enemies or weaker foes that you can dispatch quickly, there's no need to lock on, as it can hinder your awareness and reaction to surrounding threats.
However, when facing a mini-boss or boss and the area is clear of other enemies, locking on can help keep the target centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, disengage the lock-on to regain full situational awareness, and re-lock once the area is clear to focus on the boss.
For instance, during an Extraction, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss may spawn while minor enemies are still present. In such cases, it's best to use free cam until all regular enemies are defeated, then lock onto the mini-boss to concentrate your efforts without distractions.
