Lock-On is a targeting mechanism in the Kingdom Hearts series, present in all fully three-dimensional games. While the player will automatically attack the closest available target, Lock-On allows the player to permanently target a single enemy or attackable object, typically signified by the tan targeting reticle turning blue. While locked on to an enemy or an object, the camera will automatically move to follow the target.

In a number of games, there are abilities that assist or enhance the targeting and Lock-On features. These include Scan, Range Extender, Auto-Lock, and Multilock.

Mechanics

Lock-On is always available by default.

Lock-On is activated and deactivated by tapping   in Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts II, the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX version of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-, and Kingdom Hearts III; tapping   in Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories; double-tapping   in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days; tapping ZR[1] in the original version of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance; and tapping   and   at the same time in the original version of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.

Switching targets while in Lock-On is done by pressing   or   in Kingdom Hearts, by holding   and moving   in Kingdom Hearts II, and by tapping   in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days.

In Kingdom Hearts, a "Lock On!" banner will appear in the top left corner when locked on, displacing the Scan HP gauge slightly. This does not appear in the mechanic's subsequent appearances.

In Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, while in side-scrolling areas, Data-Sora can lock on to a maximum of five enemies at a time rather than one.

Range Extender

Range Extender (レンジアップ Renji Appu?, lit. "Range Up") is an ability in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It is found as an Ability Panel. It allows you to lock onto enemies even if they are far away.

Learning Range Extender

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

  •   Range Extender can be purchased for 1200 Heart Points once Roxas is promoted to Rookie rank.

Auto-Lock

Auto-Lock (オートロックオン Ōto Rokku On?, lit. "Auto Lock-On") is an ability in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It is found as an Ability Panel. It allows you to automatically lock on to available targets while attacking.

Learning Auto-Lock

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

  •   Auto-Lock can be purchased for 960 Heart Points once Roxas is promoted to Agent rank.

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, pressing or holding the special move button while using Sonic Blade allows Sora to home in on the nearest opponent within range, indicated by the Kingdom Hearts lock-on reticle appearing on their person.

See also

  1. ^ Requires a Circle Pad Pro accessory or a New 3DS system.