Hyper Light Breaker: How To Lock-On Target

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• How To Target Enemies In Hyper Light Breaker

• When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Hyper Light Breaker's enigmatic gameplay leaves many mechanics shrouded in mystery, forcing players to gradually uncover optimal strategies. A crucial element is the lock-on system, the game's targeting mechanic. While locking onto a target offers focused combat, it shouldn't be your default approach. This guide explains enemy targeting and 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. Your view will zoom slightly, and a reticle will appear around your target.

Line of sight isn't required; as long as the enemy is visible and within range on-screen, you can lock on.

Locking on alters character movement and camera focus, following your target. This often results in circular movement around your target. Fast-moving enemies can cause rapid camera shifts, potentially affecting your directional inputs 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.

Pressing the right analog stick again cancels the lock-on, returning to the default third-person camera. This can also be changed in the settings menu. The lock-on automatically cancels if you move too far from your target.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Lock-on is advantageous in specific situations but can be risky and limiting in others. Use it during one-on-one fights, such as against bosses or strong yellow-health bar enemies—but only after eliminating other mobs.

The exclusive camera focus on one target leaves you vulnerable to attacks from enemies outside your immediate view. Managing groups becomes significantly harder.

Free camera mode is generally more useful. When facing multiple enemies or easily defeated weaker enemies, lock-on offers no significant advantage and can hinder your ability to react to surrounding threats.

However, against mini-bosses or bosses (after clearing minor enemies), lock-on keeps the boss centered for focused attacks. Cancel the lock-on if other enemies appear, then re-engage once they're eliminated.

For example, during Extractions, you'll face waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might spawn while other enemies are still present. In this scenario, maintain free camera mode until all regular enemies are defeated, then lock onto the mini-boss for focused fire.