One of the first things you need to learn in Crimson Desert is how to appropriately use the lock-on feature, which will allow you to focus on one singular enemy instead of the dozens that rush you at the same time. It's possible to lock onto a single enemy and make them the focus of your fury.
To lock onto a target, you have two options: Soft Lock and Hard Lock. To Soft Lock, hold L1 to guard from enemy attacks, which will automatically assign to the closest target. Hard Lock is Down on the D-Pad and focuses on whatever enemy you're looking at, no matter how far.
How to Lock On to Targets in Crimson Desert
How to Activate Hard Lock On
- Press Down on the D-Pad to activate the Hard Lock On mechanic.
- This will see a white dot with borders on the edges appear on an enemy.
- This locked-on enemy will now be targeted by Kliff, allowing you to face them and keep them at the center of your screen while you move around them.
- This is a "Hard Lock On" and means you can't switch between other enemies unless you re-press Down on the D-Pad, as you cannot switch between targets.
How to Activate Soft Lock On
- Hold L1/LB to activate the Soft Lock On mechanic.
- This will show a white dot on an enemy, so long as you hold L1.
- Holding L1 is also how you guard yourself, whether that's with a shield, dual-wielded weapon, or two-handed weapon.
- The Soft Lock On will always go for the enemy that's closest to you, and it's automatic, allowing you to focus on the present danger without switching between targets.
Systems
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 74%
- Released
- March 19, 2026
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Pearl Abyss
- Publisher(s)
- Pearl Abyss
10 Images
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World, Exploration
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
