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Hyper Light Breaker envelops players in an aura of mystery, with many mechanics left for players to discover as they navigate its Synthwave roguelite world. One of the key mechanics to master is the lock-on system, a crucial element in the game's targeting strategy.
Locking onto a target can help you maintain focus on a single enemy, but 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 walk you through how to target enemies and provide insights on when to use the lock-on versus the free camera mode.
How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker
To target an enemy in Hyper Light Breaker, simply center your view on the enemy and press in the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically identify the correct target, even within a crowd, and your view will zoom in slightly with a reticle encircling your target.
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 engage the lock-on feature.
Once locked on, the game adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera centered on the target. This can result in your character circling the enemy, and rapid movements by the enemy can cause the camera to shift quickly, potentially disrupting your movement inputs.
To switch targets while locked on, move the right analog stick left or right. The reticle will jump to the nearest enemy within range. To return to the default third-person camera mode, simply press the right analog stick again. You can customize this control in the game's settings. The lock-on will also automatically disengage if you move too far from your target.
When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?
The lock-on feature shines in certain scenarios but can be limiting and risky in others. It's best to use the lock-on in one-on-one battles, such as against bosses or tough enemies with yellow health bars, but only after you've cleared out other enemies in the vicinity.
Locking onto a single target can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies outside your view. Therefore, the free camera mode is generally more beneficial throughout most of the game, especially when dealing with multiple enemies or weaker foes that you can quickly dispatch.
However, when facing a mini-boss or a boss and you've eliminated all other threats, locking on can help you keep the target centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, quickly disengage the lock-on to handle them, then re-engage to focus on the boss when the area is clear.
For instance, during Extraction sequences, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. It's advisable to use free cam until all minor enemies are dealt with, then lock onto the mini-boss for a more focused attack once the area is secure.