Dragon’s Dogma 2 Lock On: How Targeting Works

Yes, Dragon’s Dogma 2 does not have a traditional lock-on system like Dark Souls or Elden Ring. Instead, the game uses a soft-targeting mechanic that automatically aims your attacks and spells toward the enemy closest to the center of your camera view. You cannot manually cycle between enemies with a button, but you can control which enemy you focus on by positioning your camera and using the target reticle that appears on the creature you’re currently aimed at.

Background: Why the Original Didn’t Have Lock-On

Dragon’s Dogma (2012) and its sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2 (2024), were designed by Hideaki Itsuno and the team at Capcom with a combat philosophy that emphasizes player positioning, camera control, and dynamic enemy interactions. The developers deliberately avoided a hard lock-on because they wanted players to be able to freely swing their weapons, aim spells, and climb onto large monsters without the camera being glued to a single target. The original game’s director, Hideaki Itsuno, explained in interviews that lock-on would make combat feel too rigid and would detract from the game’s focus on emergent, physics-based battles.

In Dragon’s Dogma 2, the soft-targeting system is a direct continuation of that design. When you face an enemy, a small white reticle appears over it, indicating that your attacks and spells will home in on that creature. The reticle automatically switches to the nearest enemy within a certain angle of your camera, but you can also manually adjust it by moving the right stick (or mouse) to change your camera angle. This system allows for fluid combat, especially when dealing with groups of enemies or when you need to quickly switch between attacking a goblin and a harpy.

How Soft-Targeting Works in Dragon’s Dogma 2

The soft-targeting system in Dragon’s Dogma 2 functions as follows:

• Reticle Appearance: When you are within range of an enemy, a small white dot or crosshair appears over the enemy that your attacks will track. This reticle is your only visual indicator of what you are currently targeting.
• Automatic Switching: The game automatically switches the reticle to the enemy that is closest to the center of your screen, provided that enemy is within a certain distance. If you turn your camera to face a different enemy, the reticle will shift to that new enemy.
• No Manual Cycle: There is no button to cycle through targets (like pressing R3 or Tab in other games). The only way to change targets is to move your camera so that the desired enemy is in the center of your view.
• Ranged Attacks: For ranged classes like the Archer or Mage, your shots and spells will automatically fly toward the targeted enemy. This makes it easier to hit moving or flying enemies, but you still need to account for projectile travel time and enemy movement.
• Melee Attacks: For melee classes, your attacks will generally swing in the direction of the targeted enemy, but you still need to be within range. The soft-targeting helps with directional aiming, but it doesn’t cause your character to track the enemy if they move behind you.

How to Choose Your Target Effectively

Because you can’t manually lock on, choosing your target requires a bit of camera management. Here are practical tips:

• Use the Camera: The most reliable way to switch targets is to move your right stick (or mouse) so that the enemy you want to hit is centered in your view. Practice quickly snapping your camera to a new enemy before attacking.
• Use the Reticle to Confirm: Before committing to an attack, glance at the reticle to see which enemy your attack will home in on. If it’s not the one you want, adjust your camera slightly.
• Prioritize Threats: In a group fight, you may want to focus on the most dangerous enemy (like a mage or a large brute). Keep your camera on that enemy and be mindful that the reticle might switch if a smaller enemy runs in front of you.
• For Spells with Area of Effect: Some spells, like Fireball or Bolide, don’t require precise targeting—they hit an area. You can aim these by placing your camera where you want the spell to land, and the soft-targeting will help guide it to the nearest enemy in that direction.
• Climbing and Grappling: When you climb onto a large monster, the soft-targeting becomes less relevant because you’re physically attached to the creature. Your attacks will hit whatever part of the monster you’re on.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many players new to Dragon’s Dogma 2 expect a hard lock-on and are confused when they can’t find one. Here are some common issues and clarifications:

• “I can’t lock on to the boss!” – The game will automatically target the boss if it’s the closest enemy to your camera center. If there are adds, you might need to move your camera to focus on the boss, but the reticle may switch if an add runs in front of you. This is intentional.
• “My attacks keep missing!” – Soft-targeting helps aim, but it doesn’t guarantee hits. You still need to be in range and time your attacks. For ranged classes, you need to lead your shots for moving enemies.
• “Is there a setting to enable lock-on?” – No, there is no option in the game settings to enable a hard lock-on. The soft-targeting is the only system.
• “Why does the reticle switch to a different enemy mid-combo?” – If you move your camera during a combo, the reticle will switch to the new nearest enemy. To avoid this, keep your camera steady until your combo is finished.

Comparison to Other Action RPGs

Dragon’s Dogma 2’s targeting is often compared to games like Monster Hunter, which also uses a soft-targeting system (though Monster Hunter has a camera lock that can be toggled). In Monster Hunter, you can press a button to snap the camera to the monster, but attacks still require manual aiming. Dragon’s Dogma 2 goes a step further by making attacks auto-aim to the reticle target, which is more forgiving.

In contrast, games like Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and The Witcher 3 feature a hard lock-on that keeps the camera fixed on a single enemy, and your attacks will always track that enemy. This is useful for single-target fights but can be disorienting in crowds. Dragon’s Dogma 2’s system is more fluid and encourages players to stay aware of their surroundings, which fits the game’s chaotic, large-scale battles.

Another comparison is to Dragons Dogma Online (the MMO spin-off), which also used a similar soft-targeting system. The design has been consistent across the series.

Tips for Ranged and Magic Classes

Ranged and magic users benefit the most from soft-targeting, as it removes the need for precise manual aiming. Here are class-specific tips:

• Archer/Ranger: Your arrows will fly toward the targeted enemy, but they have travel time. If the enemy is moving, aim slightly ahead of them. The soft-targeting will help, but you still need to lead your shots.
• Mage/Sorcerer: Spells like Levin (lightning) and Ingle (fire) will home in on the target. For spells with a charge time, the reticle will stay on the enemy as long as you keep your camera on them. Be aware that if the enemy moves out of your line of sight, the spell may miss.
• Magic Archer: This vocation has homing arrows that seek out the target automatically. The soft-targeting makes it even easier, as you just need to have the reticle on the enemy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lock on to a specific enemy in Dragon’s Dogma 2?

No, there is no hard lock-on. The game uses a soft-targeting system that automatically aims at the enemy closest to the center of your camera. You cannot manually select a target with a button, but you can influence targeting by moving your camera.

How do I change targets in Dragon’s Dogma 2?

You change targets by moving your camera (right stick or mouse) so that the enemy you want to target is in the center of your view. The reticle will switch to that enemy if it’s within range. There is no button to cycle targets.

Does the soft-targeting work for all classes?

Yes, all vocations benefit from soft-targeting. Melee classes get directional aiming for their attacks, while ranged and magic classes get homing for their projectiles and spells. However, the effectiveness varies; for example, a Mage’s homing spells are more reliant on the reticle than a Warrior’s wide swings.

Why is there no lock-on in Dragon’s Dogma 2?

The developers intentionally omitted a hard lock-on to encourage fluid, dynamic combat. They wanted players to be able to freely swing weapons, climb monsters, and switch targets quickly without the camera being fixed. This design is a core part of the game’s identity.

Can I use a mod to add lock-on on PC?

There are mods available for the PC version that add a hard lock-on feature. These are third-party modifications and not officially supported by Capcom. If you use mods, be aware they may affect game stability or online features.

Is the targeting system the same as the original Dragon’s Dogma?

Yes, it is essentially the same soft-targeting system. Dragon’s Dogma 2 refines it slightly with better camera controls and visual feedback, but the core mechanic is unchanged.

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