How To Lock Onto An Enemy In Elden Ring

Alright, friend, let's talk Elden Ring. Specifically, let's conquer one of the most basic, yet crucial skills: locking onto enemies. Because, let's be honest, flailing wildly in the general direction of a giant, axe-wielding maniac just isn't a winning strategy, is it?

I mean, we’ve all been there, right? Trying to fight a simple enemy, only to have the camera spinning around like it's auditioning for a Michael Bay film. It’s embarrassing. You feel like a newbie. Don't worry, you're not alone. But we can fix it!

The Button of Destiny (or, You Know, Just the Right Stick)

So, what's the magic button? Well, on most controllers (we're talking PlayStation and Xbox here), it's the right stick. Yep, that innocent-looking stick you usually use to control the camera.

Just give it a quick click! Seriously, that's it! (Okay, mostly that's it. We'll get to the nuances in a sec.)

See that enemy now? The one you were struggling to even face? Now you're practically glued to them! Your character will automatically keep them centered on your screen, making dodging and attacking so much easier.

Lock-On Perks: Why Bother?

Why bother locking on at all, you ask? Isn't freedom great? Well, in Elden Ring, freedom often equals death. Here's why locking on is your new best friend:

• Focus, Focus, Focus! Keeps the enemy in your sights. No more dizzying camera spins!
• Dodging Like a Pro: Makes dodging attacks way more predictable and effective. You'll be weaving through enemy attacks like a seasoned ninja in no time. Okay, maybe not a ninja, but definitely better than before!
• Targeted Attacks: Your attacks will generally be aimed towards your locked-on target. Less whiffing, more hitting! (Though, let's be real, you'll still miss sometimes. This is Elden Ring, after all!)

The Art of Switching Targets (Because One Enemy is Never Enough)

So, you're locked onto a scrawny goblin, but suddenly a much bigger threat emerges. What do you do? Panic? Run away screaming? While those are valid options, there's a better way!

Just flick that right stick again! This time, flick it left or right. Your character will automatically switch their lock-on to the nearest enemy in that direction. It’s like magic! (Or, you know, clever programming.)

When Not to Lock On (Gasp!)

Believe it or not, there are times when locking on isn't the best strategy. I know, shocking, right?

• Crowd Control Nightmares: When you're surrounded by a horde of enemies, locking on can limit your visibility. You might be better off using wider, sweeping attacks without a lock-on to hit multiple targets at once.
• Platforming Shenanigans: Trying to jump across a narrow ledge while locked onto an enemy? Good luck with that! Unlock to regain full control of your movement. Unless you're some kind of Elden Ring prodigy. (Are you? Tell me your secrets!)
• Mounted Combat: On Torrent, your trusty spectral steed, the lock-on is not your friend. You want the freedom to gallop and slash, not be glued to a single target.

Unlock & Roll, Baby

To unlock, just click the right stick again! (See? I told you it was the button of destiny!). You're free! You're liberated! You can now run away in terror! (Or, you know, strategically reposition yourself for a counter-attack. Your call.)

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about locking onto enemies in Elden Ring. Practice makes perfect, so get out there and start locking on! And remember, even the most seasoned Tarnished still forgets to lock on sometimes. It happens to the best of us. Now go forth, and conquer (or at least survive)!