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Hyper Light Breaker is shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left for players to discover, enhancing the game's allure. One crucial feature to master is the lock-on system, which serves as the game's targeting mechanic. While locking onto an enemy can help maintain focus during combat, it's not always the best approach. This guide will walk you through how to target enemies in Hyper Light Breaker and provide insights on when to use lock-on versus free camera mode in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.
How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker
To effectively target a specific enemy, center your view on the desired target and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically select the correct enemy, even if it's part of a larger group. Once locked on, your view will slightly zoom in, and a reticle will appear around 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 target them. When locked on, your character's movement will adjust to circle around the enemy, and the camera will follow the target. Be aware that fast-moving enemies can cause the camera to shift abruptly, potentially altering your character's direction mid-movement.
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. This action can also be customized in the game's settings. If you move too far from your target, the lock-on will automatically disengage.
When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?
Locking on can be advantageous in specific scenarios but can also be restrictive and risky in others. It's best to use lock-on during one-on-one battles, particularly against bosses or strong enemies with yellow health bars, but only after clearing out other surrounding enemies.
The lock-on feature focuses the camera solely on one target, which can leave you vulnerable to attacks from other enemies not in your view. For most of the game, especially when facing multiple or weaker enemies, sticking with the free camera mode is more beneficial. It allows you greater visibility and the ability to react to threats from all directions.
When confronting a mini-boss or boss, and after ensuring no other enemies are around to disrupt the fight, lock on to keep the enemy centered on your screen. If additional enemies appear, quickly disengage the lock-on to manage the new threats, then re-lock on to the boss once the area is clear.
For instance, during the Extraction process, you'll encounter several waves of regular enemies before facing a mini-boss. It's wise to remain in free camera mode until all waves of regular enemies are dealt with, then lock onto the mini-boss for a focused battle without distractions.