Hyper Light Breaker: Mastering Lock-On Targeting

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• How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

• When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Hyper Light Breaker's mysterious allure is enhanced by its unexplained mechanics, inviting players to uncover the game's intricacies. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a pivotal targeting mechanic. While locking onto a target can help maintain focus on a single enemy, it's not always the best approach. Instead, the lock-on feature in Hyper Light Breaker is most effective in specific one-on-one scenarios. This guide will walk you through the process of targeting enemies and provide insights on when to utilize the lock-on feature versus opting for the default free camera mode in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To effectively target an enemy, center your view on your desired target and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically identify the correct target, even within a crowd, though it may struggle with large groups. Upon successful lock-on, your view will slightly zoom in, and a reticle will encircle 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 engage the lock-on feature.

When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera focused on the target. This often results in a circling motion around the enemy, and swift enemies can cause rapid 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 revert to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. This control can be customized in the settings menu. Additionally, if you move too far from your target, the lock-on will automatically disengage.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

The lock-on feature is advantageous in certain scenarios but can be hazardous and restrictive in others. It's best to lock onto targets during one-on-one encounters, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after you've cleared out other foes.

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 less ideal for handling groups.

For most of the game, the free camera mode is more beneficial. When facing multiple enemies or weaker foes that can be dispatched quickly, there's little need to lock on, as it can limit your situational awareness.

However, when facing a mini-boss or boss, and you've cleared out any potential distractions, locking on can help keep the boss centered on your screen. If other enemies appear, disengage the lock-on to manage the new threats, then re-engage to focus solely on the boss.

For instance, during an Extraction, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might spawn amidst active minor enemies. In such cases, it's wiser to use free cam until all regular enemies are dealt with, then lock onto the mini-boss to finish it off without distractions.