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Hyper Light Breaker is shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left for players to discover as they navigate the game's immersive world. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial targeting mechanic that can significantly impact your gameplay experience.
While locking onto an enemy can help you maintain focus, it's not always the best approach. The lock-on feature in Hyper Light Breaker is most effective in specific one-on-one encounters. 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 the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically identify the correct target, even if it's amidst a group of enemies. Your view will slightly zoom in, 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 target them.
When you lock on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera focused on your target. This can lead to circling movements around your enemy, and fast-moving targets might cause the camera to shift abruptly, 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 revert to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. You can customize this control 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 certain scenarios but can be risky and restrictive in others. Use the lock-on feature during one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or strong enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing out other mobs.
The camera's exclusive 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 manage groups.
For most of the game, the free camera mode is more beneficial. When facing multiple enemies or weaker foes you can dispatch quickly, there's no need to lock on, as it can hinder your awareness and reaction to surrounding threats.
However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss after clearing out all minor enemies, locking on can help you keep the boss centered on your screen. If other enemies appear, disengage the lock-on to manage them, then re-engage to focus on the boss once they're alone.
For instance, during the Extraction process, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss may spawn while other enemies are still active. In this case, it's best to use free cam until you've cleared the regular enemies, then lock onto the mini-boss to take it down without distractions.
