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, where players gradually uncover the intricacies of its mechanics. A key element to mastering the game is understanding its lock-on system, a crucial targeting mechanic that can significantly impact your gameplay strategy.

While locking onto an enemy can be beneficial for maintaining focus, it's not always the best approach. The lock-on feature in Hyper Light Breaker is most effective in specific one-on-one scenarios. This guide will detail how to target enemies and provide insights on when to utilize the lock-on feature versus opting for the default free camera mode in this Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To effectively target an enemy in Hyper Light Breaker, first ensure your view is centered on your intended target. Then, press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will usually identify the correct target, even within a group of enemies, by slightly zooming in and displaying a reticle around the selected enemy.

It's worth noting that you don't need a direct line of sight to lock onto an enemy; as long as they are visible on-screen and within range, you can initiate the lock-on.

When you lock on, your character's movement dynamics change as the camera remains fixed on the target. This often results in your character circling the enemy, which can be disorienting if the enemy moves quickly, causing the camera to shift abruptly and potentially altering your movement inputs.

To switch targets while locked on, simply move the right analog stick left or right. The targeting reticle will automatically shift 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 control can be customized in the settings menu. Additionally, the lock-on will automatically cancel if you move too far from your target.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Locking onto a target can be advantageous in certain scenarios but may prove hazardous in others. It's best to lock on during one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after you've cleared out all other nearby foes.

The lock-on feature can make you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies due to its narrow focus, making it challenging to manage groups effectively.

For most of the game, using the free camera mode is more beneficial. When facing multiple or weaker enemies that you can dispatch quickly, there's little need to lock on, as it can restrict your awareness and responsiveness to surrounding threats.

However, when confronting a mini-boss or boss after clearing out lesser enemies, locking on can help you keep the target centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, it's wise to cancel the lock-on, deal with them, and then refocus on the boss once you're alone with it.

For instance, during Extraction phases, you'll encounter several waves of regular enemies before facing a mini-boss. It's advisable to maintain free camera mode until you've dealt with all the regular enemies, then lock onto the mini-boss to focus your efforts when no distractions remain.