Nier Replicant: How to Lock On & Switch Targets

Nier Replicant‘s combat has a fair bit of depth, allowing you to take on a variety of enemies at once in a host of different ways. However, with so many enemies on screen at once, it can be hard to keep track of which one is near death and which one will still require tons of hits to take down. As such, you may be left wanting to know how to lock on and switch targets in Nier Replicant.

Luckily for you, we’ve laid out everything you’ll need to know in this guide. Read on to find out how these mechanics work, and when the best times to use them are.

How to Lock On and Switch Targets in Nier Replicant

Locking on and switching targets in Nier Replicant is fairly easy, as they’re mechanics you’ll need to use often.

For locking on, all you need to do is press R3 on PlayStation 4 or RS on Xbox One. This will see a reticle appear over the enemy nearest to you. The reticle will keep the camera centered on them until they’re defeated, or until you press R3 or RS again to un-lock on to them.

To switch the target you’re locked onto, you have two options. One is to move the Right Analogue Stick to the left or right. This will see the reticle automatically apply itself to the nearest enemy to your left or right respectively.

The other option is to un-lock on from an enemy, move the camera manually, and then press R3 or RS again. This can be useful if there’s an enemy trying to flank you that’d be tricky to cycle over to using the analog stick.

When You Should Lock Onto Enemies

As for when the best times are to lock on to enemies in Nier Replicant, it depends on the situation.

If you’re dealing with a few powerful enemies, or one massive boss enemy, locking on is essential. It’ll allow you to maneuver around your opponents with ease without losing sight of them, and help you better strategize your next attack.

Likewise, if you’re taking on Aerial enemies, then locking on is a must. This will help you track their movements and allow you to nail them with magic attacks effortlessly.

If you’re facing down a mob of weaker enemies though, try to avoid locking on. Doing so can lead to your attacks continuing to track an enemy that has been launched away from you, and keep you from pivoting attacks directly into the foe that is closest to you.

That’s all there is to know about how to lock on and switch targets in Nier Replicant. For more on the game, check out our guide wiki. There should also be a variety of related articles available down below.