The mystery surrounding the mechanics of Hyper Light Breaker is what gives the game much mystique, and it's how players figure out what to focus on and master their gameplay accordingly. One key mechanic for the targeting approach of Hyper Light Breaker is the lock-on system.
This tightens the concentration when fighting against a certain target. Nevertheless, this might sometimes become the main stay that may not be a good way most of the time. The Hyper Light Breaker lock-on mechanic truly shines in a few specific one-on-one fights. The procedure for targeting an enemy is described step by step, along with some wise suggestions on when to engage the lock-on and when to stick with the free camera mode of this Synthwave roguelite.
To target a specific enemy, focus your view directly on them, then press the right analog stick on your controller (R3). The game is set to automatically recognize the right target, except in cases where there are a huge number of enemies around it. Your perspective will just narrow a little, and a reticle will appear around your target.
Locking onto a target does not need a direct line of sight. If the enemy is in sight and within range, you can easily lock onto it.
Locking on changes the movement of your character in Hyper Light Breaker, as the camera expertly centers and tracks your target. The camera stays fixed on your target, keeping it centered on the screen. This configuration forces you to move in a circle around your target. However, be careful with fast-moving enemies because they can easily change the camera angle. If you are moving, your controls may change your character's direction when the camera suddenly turns.
To switch your target while locked on, simply slide the right analog stick to the left or right. The targeting reticle will smoothly shift to the nearest enemy to your current target, provided they are within range.
To release your lock-on target and go back to the standard third-person camera view, you just have to press the right analog stick again. You can change this in the game's settings menu. If you get too far from your target, the lock-on will be released automatically.
While locking on can be beneficial in specific scenarios, it also poses risks and can restrict your options in various situations. In a one-on-one battle, particularly against formidable foes like bosses or tough enemies marked by yellow health bars, it's crucial to focus your attention on them. However, ensure that all other mobs are dealt with first before zeroing in on your primary target.
Since the camera's focus remains on one target, it exposes you to others coming at your blind spots and therefore makes it really tough to manage groups.
Generally, free cam offers benefits to most of the game. Fighting against a big group of enemies or clearing out of lower level opponents quickly leaves little reason to have to activate the lock-on feature. It might also hamper your ability to see and react to other enemies that could be in close proximity to you.
Lock onto a mini-boss or boss once you have killed all minor enemies which might otherwise interrupt your focus on the battle, and the boss should be in the center of your screen. When more enemies come, cancel lock-on and focus back on the boss once they are separated.
Any time you make an Extraction prepare for a few waves of regular enemy mobs, building up to an exciting mini boss battle. While lesser mobs will appear, a mini boss could also spawn at any time during the battle in this case free cam until such time as the standard mobs all fall. As soon as this occurs, shift focus to miniboss without interruptions from other mobs.
In this sense, knowing How To Lock-On Target in Hyper Light Breaker, allows you to have more control and achieve the goal.