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Hyper Light Breaker: How To Lock-On Target

Author:Kristen Update:Mar 14,2025

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Hyper Light Breaker's cryptic nature extends to its mechanics, leaving players to unravel the optimal strategies. One crucial element is the lock-on system, the game's targeting mechanic. While locking onto a target offers focused combat, it's not always the best approach. This guide details enemy targeting and explains when lock-on versus free camera mode proves most effective 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, unless it's surrounded by others. A reticle will appear, and the view will zoom slightly.

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 behavior. The camera follows your target, causing your movements to circle them. Fast-moving enemies can rapidly shift the camera perspective, potentially altering your input direction mid-movement.

To switch targets while locked on, simply 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 will also automatically cancel if you move too far from your target.

When Should I Lock On vs Use Free Cam?

Lock-on excels in one-on-one situations, such as boss fights or against strong (yellow health bar) enemies—but only after eliminating other mobs. The focused camera leaves you vulnerable to attacks from enemies outside your view.

Free camera is generally more useful. Against multiple or easily defeated enemies, lock-on hinders your ability to react to surrounding threats.

Against mini-bosses or bosses, after clearing minor enemies, lock-on keeps the target centered. Cancel it if other enemies appear, then re-engage when the boss is alone.

For example, during Extraction, you face waves of regular enemies followed by a mini-boss. The mini-boss might spawn while other enemies are still present. In this case, maintain free camera until all regular enemies are defeated, then lock on to the mini-boss.