Lock-On
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[edit]
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 enemy's HP gauge slightly. The lock-on reticle also indicates if the enemy is within range for long-range spells such as Thunder or Gravity.
In Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, the deflected projectiles will always aim at an opponent that is locked on.
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.
In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, while locked-on to an enemy, blocking another opponent's attack successfully will automatically have the target temporarily switched on to them.
Range Extender[edit]
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 the user to lock onto enemies even if they are far away.
Learning Range Extender[edit]
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days[edit]
Range Extender can be purchased for 1200 Heart Points once Roxas is promoted to Rookie rank.
Auto-Lock[edit]
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 the user to automatically lock on to available targets while attacking.
Learning Auto-Lock[edit]
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days[edit]
Auto-Lock can be purchased for 960 Heart Points once Roxas is promoted to Agent rank.
Other appearances[edit]
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
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[edit]
Notes and references[edit]
- ^ Requires a Circle Pad Pro accessory or a New 3DS system.
