10 Essential Tips and Tricks for Beginners in Hyper Light Breaker

Hyper Light Breaker has officially launched its early access phase, welcoming numerous new Breakers ready to dive into the vibrant realm of Overgrowth. As these newcomers prepare for their adventures, several key strategies and tips will enhance their gameplay experience and chances of success, particularly against the two bosses, also known as Crowns, that are currently present in the game.

The gameplay loop, as noted in Heart Machine’s Early Access announcement, follows a straightforward sequence: Prepare for a run in Cursed Outpost > journey into Overgrowth > explore for Prisms to unlock Crown gates > utilize the Extraction point or Telepad to exit when the situation becomes dire > confront Crowns > complete the cycle > repeat! Adhering to this pattern will enable you to maximize the number of runs you undertake, but success also requires astute decision-making.

10
Short Runs: Play It Safe

Greeding for Loot Will Kill You in Any Roguelike; HLB is No Different

Upon entering the Overgrowth at the start of a Cycle, your map will be brimming with Blades, Rails, and various upgrades. However, rushing towards the most appealing items can quickly lead to your demise. True to its nature, Hyper Light Breaker does not hesitate to punish careless players.

In your initial runs, it’s advisable to avoid confronting the Crowns until you’re adequately prepared. To maximize your early-game efficiency, focus on quick runs. Select one or two upgrades that lie along your route to the extraction point and head directly there. This strategy not only allows you to develop your build without undue pressure but also minimizes your time spent in the increasingly dangerous Overgrowth.

9
Don’t Hesitate to Discard Holobytes

These are the Most Dynamic Tools to Craft Your Build

During your gameplay, you will find that Holobytes frequently drop. Make the most of this relatively high spawn rate to refine your build. Don’t shy away from replacing Holobytes during runs, as better synergy often leads to superior builds.

Currently, the system for replacing Holobytes may exhibit bugs, leading to unintended duplication rather than the expected swaps. Regardless, it’s still essential to pick up new Holobytes as you progress.

Although it’s easy to become attached to certain Holobytes and gear, keep in mind that Hyper Light Breaker operates as a roguelike, and losing gear is inevitable. Therefore, derive the maximum benefit from your equipment while you still possess it.

8
Build Intentionally, Not Whimsically

Rare Gear is Appealing, But Not Always Superior

If you’re prone to falling for the allure of shiny, high-rarity gear, proceed with caution—this can lead to disaster in roguelikes like Hyper Light Breaker. Typically, well-thought-out builds outperform simply opting for the most powerful upgrades.

For example, if you acquire one of Goro’s SyComs that guarantees a critical hit on a Rail shot every time 20% of its battery is used, Holobytes that enhance critical damage become far more beneficial than those boosting Blade damage, despite their larger bonuses.

While creating a build based on pure power might initially appear advantageous, a carefully planned setup is far more effective when tackling the formidable Crowns that roam the Overgrowth.

7
Clear the Map, Then Pursue Crowns

Even if You Have the Prisms, Save Them for Later

Skilled Breakers might be able to face Crowns during their initial runs of a Cycle, but this doesn’t imply that immediate confrontation is wise. Collecting Prisms to unlock Crown Gates requires precision, but it doesn’t necessarily prepare you for the ensuing boss battle.

Instead, focus on gathering upgrades and Bright Blood during your first few runs, allowing you to reinforce your equipment. This will better equip you for the challenging foes that you will face in the Overgrowth. Unless you’re looking to intensify already demanding boss fights, refrain from racing towards the Crowns right away.

6
Don’t Venture Alone; Team Up With Other Breakers

Breaker Seems to Perform Best With Three

Although Hyper Light Breaker lacks an in-game voice chat, it is most enjoyable with three players in a lobby. Running with partners disperses enemy attention, creating more space for maneuverability during intense battles. Additionally, allies can divert boss aggression, leading to a quicker resolution, as enemy health does not appear to increase with the number of players.

Fortunately, Heart Machine’s official Discord server boasts a robust community, making it easier to find teammates for cooperative play. You can join open lobbies by speaking to the robot at the help-desk in the Outpost. Collaborating with others can significantly ease the challenges of navigating the Overgrowth alone.

5
You’re Unable to Swim, but the Hoverboard Can

Use the Hoverboard to Access Water-Locked Areas

At times, you may find yourself on a map with upgrades located on islands surrounding the main landmass, which might seem unreachable. Fortunately, newcomers will be relieved to discover that these areas are accessible. Utilizing the hoverboard, players can glide across water, granting access to various sections of the map.

This ability extends beyond mere exterior traversal; you can also skate across river valleys, potentially navigating the landscape thoroughly if you manage your stamina efficiently. Your hoverboard journey is limited solely by your stamina meter.

4
Core Stat Upgrades Are Valuable, Yet Temporary

Unless You’re Playing Lapis, Reserve Your Cores for Permanent Progression

Cores represent a rare resource within Hyper Light Breaker and can be applied in two key ways: for short-term stat upgrades per cycle or for permanent enhancements through PB (Pherus Bit). Regrettably, temporary upgrades yield little value until all five permanent upgrades are unlocked, as they reset with every Cycle. To maximize their utility, it’s advisable to use Cores for long-lasting progress.

Interestingly, there seems to be a discrepancy regarding the permanence of SyCom stat upgrades. Currently, they appear to provide permanent benefits at launch, yet this contradicts the tooltip for the Currency; it remains unclear if this is an oversight or an intended feature.

Lapis benefits distinctively from Cores due to one of her SyComs, offering extra core stat upgrades each time she uses Cores. Nevertheless, given the scarcity of Cores, it remains unwise to waste them on temporary boosts.

3
Healing is Vital

Starting Without Healing Options Can Be Challenging; Here’s How to Begin

Upon your initial descent into the Overgrowth, you will lack effective healing methods other than parrying and collecting Medigems, which only restore around 5HP. Fortunately, there are additional healing options to discover. Unlocking Medipacks and acquiring specific Holobytes can enhance your healing capabilities.

Medipack slots can be purchased using Golden Rations with PB and then crafted at the start of each run using Medigems. These Medipacks can restore 75 HP or completely revive a fallen ally, making them invaluable under pressure. While it’s also possible to craft Medipacks at Shrines with Medigems during your run, this alternative is limited and more costly.

Keep an eye out for Holobytes that offer healing as a perk. Seizing a healing Holobyte that aligns with your build can prove crucial. For instance, one Holobyte that grants healing for each critical hit I land is instrumental in my success against the first Crown.

2
Carefully Choose Your Battles

You Don’t Have to Engage in Every Fight

The Overgrowth is teeming with enemies, making it unrealistic to tackle every confrontation. Especially during early runs where you’re positioned far from extraction points, strategic retreat can be essential for survival. Bypassing some skirmishes allows you to live for another attempt, though it will mean missing out on some Bright Blood.

Maintain focus on your immediate objectives for each excursion. For example, if your aim is to collect two Prisms to prepare for a Crown run, concentrate on that and exit afterward while potentially gathering upgrades. Staying goal-oriented will help you avoid unnecessary damage and premature deaths, ultimately preserving your time and mental state.

1
Not All Runs Need to Be Focused on Winning

Sometimes, Survival is Sufficient

In line with maintaining focus, it’s crucial to establish realistic goals for each run. If you lack a weapon that suits your playstyle, prioritize finding one during your run. The same logic applies to your entire loadout; avoid overwhelming yourself. Just as in Risk of Rain 2, the game’s difficulty escalates the longer you linger, making shorter runs generally more advantageous.

Shorter runs help you manage pollution, enemy spawns, and upgrade access. Remember, Hyper Light Breaker offers no guidance; it is inherently challenging, and many lessons are learned through unavoidable setbacks. Follow these insights, and be attentive to what strategies resonate with you. With many ways to engage, the best way to play is the one that brings you joy.

Source: Heart Machine/Discord

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