Uncovering the Lore of Hyper Light Breaker
Despite being in early access, Hyper Light Breaker offers a substantial amount of lore for players to explore. Similar to its predecessor, Hyper Light Drifter, the game conveys its narrative without using text or direct explanations. Instead, players will need to piece together the history and events that shaped this world by collecting lore fragments while navigating the Overgrowth. These fragments shine a light on the history of the two Crowns, Exus and Dro.
Players familiar with Drifter will recognize the stone monoliths scattered throughout Breaker, which can be interacted with to reveal important lore snippets. As you approach these structures, you can earn lore bits presented in the form of manga-style comic panels. These can be examined in the Outpost, allowing players to gradually uncover the fate of the world’s inhabitants and the identity of the Abyss King.
Where to Find Phantom Fragments
Classic Tablets from Drifter Return
If you’ve played Hyper Light Drifter, you’ll notice the return of stone tablets cleverly hidden across the game. While they may not unlock secret areas as they did in Drifter, interacting with them grants you three Phantom Fragments each time. Although these fragments don’t provide immediate benefits, gathering enough will enable you to unlock lore by visiting a specific vendor.
Tip: When playing Hyper Light Breaker in co-op mode, only one player needs to interact with a monolith for the entire group to receive the Phantom Fragments. This means you can save time by dividing your team to search for these fragments more efficiently.
These memory monoliths are located in various spots within the Overgrowth. The maps are procedurally generated with each run, so there’s no certainty you’ll find the same places twice. Typically, they are situated near smaller structures, making it unlikely to see them out in the open. Based on experience, these monoliths usually don’t appear near gear pickups or Prism minibosses, so it might be best to explore a bit between gear collections.
After collecting the Phantom Fragments from a monolith, you can continue your run as normal. Unlike gear items, these fragments are secure and not at risk, even if you fail the extraction. However, they remain inactive until you return to the Outpost.
Unlocking the Stories of Exus and Dro
Engage with Pherus Bit for Crown Insights
Once you’ve returned to the Outpost after extracting (or meeting your demise), seek out Pherus Bit located by the entry teleporter. One of her menus allows you to spend your earned Phantom Fragments—along with 50 Bright Blood—to unlock a memory of either Exus or Dro. Keep in mind that you cannot choose which memory you get to unlock, so you might not see the complete story on your first attempt.
You need a total of six Phantom Fragments to unlock each memory. The memories are illustrated in five-panel comics that offer glimpses into the histories of each boss. Through these panels, players can gain insights into the origins of the Hyper Light Breaker world, and understand why the Breakers play a vital role in its survival. While not all lore has been unveiled yet, it’s expected that the full release will present an intricate narrative puzzle for players to piece together, relying on both Phantom Fragments and players’ analytical skills to fully comprehend the deeper lore.
More About Hyper Light Breaker
Hyper Light Breaker is the sequel to Heart Machine’s acclaimed 2016 title, Hyper Light Drifter. Set in the expansive realm known as the Overgrowth, players will engage with massive monsters and explore the remnants of time-worn cities. Whether solo or with friends, you’ll gather new equipment and enhance your character while uncovering the secrets of this forgotten land.
Game Details:
- Franchise: Hyper Light
- Early Access Launch: January 14, 2025
- Developer: Heart Machine
- Publisher: Arc Games
- Multiplayer: Online Co-Op
Get ready for an adventure that promises rich storytelling and thrilling gameplay!