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Hyper Light Breaker's intuitive yet nuanced mechanics are partially obscured, encouraging players to organically discover optimal strategies. A key element is the lock-on system, crucial for effective combat but not always the best approach. This guide explains 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 the target.
Line of sight isn't necessary 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 behavior. The camera remains fixed on the target, causing your movements to generally circle them. Fast-moving enemies can rapidly shift the camera perspective, potentially altering your input direction during movement.
To switch targets while locked on, use the right analog stick to move left or right. The reticle jumps to the nearest enemy within range.
Pressing the right analog stick again cancels lock-on, reverting to the default third-person camera. This can also be adjusted in the settings menu. Lock-on automatically cancels if you move too far from the target.
When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?
Lock-on is beneficial in specific situations but can be risky in others. It's ideal for one-on-one encounters, such as boss fights or against strong (yellow health bar) enemies—but only after eliminating other threats.
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 effective. When facing multiple enemies, or weak enemies easily dispatched, lock-on offers no significant advantage and may hinder your ability to react to surrounding enemies.
However, against mini-bosses or bosses (after clearing weaker enemies), lock-on keeps the target centered for focused attacks. Cancel lock-on if other enemies appear, then re-engage once the primary target is isolated.
For example, during Extraction, you face waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might appear while other enemies are still present. Maintain free camera mode until all regular enemies are defeated, then lock on to the mini-boss for focused elimination.
