Lock-On Targeting in Hyper Light Breaker

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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 intuitive yet nuanced mechanics add to its captivating mystery, challenging players to master its intricacies. A key element is the lock-on system, a crucial targeting mechanic often overlooked. While locking on provides focused combat against a single enemy, it's not always the optimal strategy. This guide details enemy targeting and advises when to utilize lock-on versus free camera mode in this synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target an enemy, center your view on them and press the right analog stick (R3). The game usually identifies the target automatically, except within large enemy groups. The view zooms slightly, and a reticle appears around your target.

Line of sight isn't required for lock-on. As long as the enemy is visible on-screen and within targeting range, you can lock on.

Lock-on alters character movement and camera control. The camera remains fixed on the target, causing your movements to generally circle them. Fast-moving enemies can rapidly shift camera perspective, potentially altering your input direction mid-movement.

To switch targets while locked on, move the right analog stick left or right. The reticle jumps to the nearest enemy within range.

Pressing the right analog stick again cancels lock-on, returning to the default third-person camera. This can also be adjusted in the game's settings. Lock-on automatically cancels if you move too far from the target.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Lock-on excels in one-on-one combat, such as against bosses or strong (yellow health bar) enemies—but only after eliminating other mobs.

The exclusive camera focus on one target leaves you vulnerable to attacks from enemies outside your immediate view. Managing groups becomes significantly more challenging.

Free camera mode is generally more advantageous. When facing multiple enemies or weak, easily dispatched foes, lock-on offers no significant benefit and can hinder your situational awareness.

However, against mini-bosses or bosses (after clearing other enemies), lock-on keeps the target centered for focused attacks. Cancel lock-on if other enemies appear, then re-engage once the boss is isolated.

For instance, during Extraction, you confront waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might spawn while other enemies are still present. In this case, maintain free camera mode until all regular enemies are defeated, then lock onto the mini-boss for focused elimination.