Home News Hyper Light Breaker: Mastering Lock-On Targeting

Hyper Light Breaker: Mastering Lock-On Targeting

Author : Zoe Update : Apr 18,2025

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Hyper Light Breaker is shrouded in mystery, with many mechanics left for players to uncover and master. Among these, the lock-on system stands out as a crucial targeting mechanic that significantly impacts gameplay. While locking onto an enemy can enhance focus, it's not always the best approach. This guide delves into how to effectively use Hyper Light Breaker's targeting system and provides insights on when to opt for lock-on versus the default free camera mode in this captivating Synthwave roguelite.

How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

To target a specific enemy, simply center your view on them and press the right analog stick (R3) on your controller. The game will automatically identify the correct target, unless they're amidst a large group of enemies. Upon locking on, your view will slightly zoom in, and a reticle will encircle your chosen target.

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

When locked on, Hyper Light Breaker adjusts your character's movement to keep the camera focused on your target. This often results in your character circling the enemy, which can be disorienting if the enemy moves quickly, as the camera's perspective can shift abruptly.

To switch targets while locked on, simply move the right analog stick left or right. The targeting reticle will then jump to the nearest enemy within range. To return to the default third-person camera mode, press the right analog stick again. You can customize this control in the game's settings. Additionally, moving too far from your target will automatically cancel the lock-on.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

The lock-on feature is advantageous in specific scenarios but can be a hindrance in others. It's ideal to lock onto targets during one-on-one encounters, such as against bosses or formidable enemies with yellow health bars, but only after you've cleared the area of other threats.

Locking on confines your camera to a single target, making it challenging to monitor and respond to other enemies that might sneak up on you. For most of the game, especially when dealing with multiple or weaker foes, the free camera mode is more beneficial as it allows greater situational awareness and flexibility.

However, when facing a mini-boss or boss after clearing out lesser enemies, locking on can help keep the target centered and easier to manage. If additional enemies appear, it's wise to disengage the lock-on and revert to free cam until you've dealt with the new threats, then lock back onto the boss when the situation allows.

For instance, during an Extraction, you'll encounter waves of regular enemies before a mini-boss appears. It's best to use free cam until you've cleared the waves, then lock onto the mini-boss for focused combat when no other enemies remain to distract you.