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 immerses players in a mysterious world where uncovering the game's mechanics is part of the adventure. Among these mechanics, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial element for effective combat. This system is designed to help players focus on single enemies but should be used judiciously, primarily in specific one-on-one encounters. This guide will walk you through the process of targeting enemies and provide insights on when to utilize the lock-on feature versus the free camera mode in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target a specific enemy in Hyper Light Breaker, align your view on the desired enemy and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will typically identify the correct target, even within a crowd, by zooming in slightly and displaying a reticle around the enemy.

You don't need a direct line of sight to lock onto an enemy; as long as they're visible on your screen and within range, you can target them. Once locked on, your character's movement adjusts to circle around the target, and the camera follows them. Be aware that fast-moving enemies can cause the camera to shift abruptly, potentially altering your movement direction mid-action.

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 disengage from a target and return to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. You can customize this control in the settings menu, and the lock-on will automatically cancel if you move too far from the target.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

The lock-on feature in Hyper Light Breaker is advantageous in certain scenarios but can be restrictive and risky in others. It's best to use lock-on during one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, after clearing the area of other threats.

Locking on focuses the camera solely on one enemy, which can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies out of your view. For most of the game, particularly when facing multiple or weaker foes, the free camera mode is preferable. It allows you greater awareness and flexibility to respond to surrounding threats.

However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss, and once you've ensured no other enemies can interfere, locking on can help maintain focus on the primary target. If additional enemies appear, quickly disengage the lock-on to manage the situation, then re-lock once the area is clear to focus on defeating the boss.

A practical example is during Extraction phases, where you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's wise to keep the free camera mode active until all waves of regular enemies are defeated, then lock onto the mini-boss for a more focused attack.