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 is a game shrouded in mystery, with many of its mechanics left for players to discover, enhancing the game's allure as you learn to master its intricacies. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a pivotal targeting mechanic. While locking onto a target can help maintain focus, it's not always the best approach. In fact, the lock-on feature in Hyper Light Breaker is most effective in specific one-on-one scenarios. This guide delves into how to target enemies and provides insights on when to utilize the lock-on versus the free camera mode in this engaging Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

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

Locking on does not require a direct line of sight; as long as the enemy is on-screen and within range, you can target them. Once locked on, the camera will track the target, altering your character's movement to circle around them. This can be disorienting with fast-moving enemies, as sudden camera shifts may change your character's direction mid-movement.

To switch targets while locked on, simply move the right analog stick left or right, and the reticle will jump to the nearest enemy within range. To disengage the lock-on and revert to the default third-person camera, press the right analog stick again. This setting can be customized in the game's menu. Note that moving too far from your target will automatically cancel the lock-on.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

The lock-on feature excels in certain scenarios but can be hazardous in others. It's ideal for one-on-one encounters, such as battles against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing the area of other threats.

The camera's focus on a single target during lock-on can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies outside your view, making it less effective against groups. For most of the game, especially when facing multiple or weaker enemies, the free camera mode offers greater situational awareness and flexibility.

In boss fights or against mini-bosses, once you've eliminated all other enemies, locking on can help keep the boss centered on your screen, facilitating focused attacks. However, if additional enemies appear, it's wise to switch back to free cam until the area is clear, then resume your lock-on to finish off the boss.

For instance, during an Extraction, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's advisable to use free cam until you've dealt with all the regular enemies, then lock onto the mini-boss for a focused assault once the area is secure.