How to lock-on to enemies in Dragon’s Dogma 2

The combat in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is exceptional, but can you lock-on? If you’re looking to make Dragon’s Dogma 2’s combat more manageable, here is the deal with locking on to enemies.

Can you lock-on to targets in Dragon’s Dogma 2?

There is no way to lock-on to enemies in Dragon’s Dogma 2. For a game with well-paced, deliberate action similar to FromSoftware’s brand of combat, which does include a lock-on mechanic, it’s a bit strange that Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t have a lock-on mechanic.

If you’re struggling with not being able to lock-on to enemies when fighting, I recommend using a ranged Vocation. Ranged Vocations, like Archer and Mage, automatically lock-on to enemies. They need to be within range and you need to be facing them, but your light attacks will automatically hit your target if you’re playing ranged. Luckily, you can switch Vocations whenever you want.

Ranged Vocations can also aim. For example, the Archer Vocation has Steady Shot which puts a crosshair on the screen and allows you to shoot a well-placed arrow that hits harder but you have a slower rate of fire. While you’ll need to manually land your shot since lock-on isn’t a thing, it’s a useful trick that you can use to take down enemies with ease, especially Cyclops and Harpies.

Melee Vocations, like Thief and Fighter, are naturally a bit harder than Archer and Mage since they can’t spam their light attack to automatically deal damage to enemies. That isn’t to say melee Vocations are bad — I started with Fighter and absolutely loved it, enjoyed Archer a lot, and am currently maining Mystic Spearhand.

While there may be some Vocations that are better starting Vocations than others, they are all very unique, fun, and powerful. If you want something that gives you a lock-on feeling, go with Archer or Mage. Just know that Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t have a lock-on mechanic. But once you get used to it, you may find yourself loving it, like I did.