Mastering Hyper Light Breaker's Targeting System: Lock-On vs. Free Cam

Hyper Light Breaker's lock-on mechanic, while seemingly straightforward, adds a layer of strategic depth often overlooked. This guide clarifies its usage and when to employ it versus the default free camera. Many game mechanics remain subtly explained, encouraging players to discover optimal strategies. The lock-on system is a key element of this discovery process.

How to Target Enemies

To lock onto an enemy, center your view on your target and press the right analog stick (R3). The game automatically selects the nearest target, unless it's obscured within a larger enemy group. A reticle will appear, and the camera will zoom slightly.

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

Locking on alters character movement and camera perspective. Your character's movements will tend to orbit the target, potentially leading to unexpected directional changes, especially with fast-moving enemies.

To switch targets while locked on, simply move the right analog stick left or right. The reticle will jump to the nearest eligible enemy.

To disengage lock-on and revert to the free camera, press the right analog stick again. This keybind is customizable in the game's settings. Lock-on also automatically disengages if you move too far from the target.

Lock-On vs. Free Cam: Strategic Considerations

While lock-on is beneficial in specific scenarios, it can be detrimental in others. It excels in one-on-one encounters, such as boss fights or against strong (yellow health bar) enemies—but only after eliminating other nearby threats.

The focused camera perspective leaves you vulnerable to attacks from enemies outside your immediate view. Managing multiple enemies becomes significantly harder.

For most situations, the free camera offers superior situational awareness. When facing multiple weaker enemies, or those easily dispatched, lock-on is generally unnecessary and can hinder your ability to react to surrounding threats.

However, against mini-bosses or bosses, after clearing the surrounding area, lock-on keeps the primary target centered, simplifying combat. Remember to disengage if additional enemies appear, then re-engage once the field is clear.

Consider Extraction encounters: waves of regular enemies precede a mini-boss. Free cam is preferable until the regular enemies are eliminated, allowing focused lock-on on the mini-boss afterward.