Combat Focus
- By
A simple “Better Lock-On” style mod that improves locking onto entities or players for a better combat experience. Better Combat - Epic Fight - Vanilla
Combat Focus
Combat Focus is a configurable lock-on mod for third-person combat. Lock onto enemies, keep them visible, switch targets quickly, and choose how the camera follows the fight.
It is designed for players looking for a modern Better Lock On alternative, an Epic Fight lock-on addon, or a third-person camera for combat-focused modpacks using mods such as Better Combat.
Shoulder Surfing Reloaded 5.0+ is strongly recommended. Basic lock-on works without it, but FREE_ROTATION, dynamic shoulder switching, and the complete aiming experience require Shoulder Surfing to work correctly.
Features
- Smart third-person target lock.
- Manual target switching with
Tabor the mouse. - Three camera modes:
DYNAMIC,FREE_ROTATION, andFACE_TARGET. - Special selection range and camera framing for bosses.
- Aim assistance for bows, crossbows, tridents, and compatible modded weapons.
- Automatic Epic Fight integration.
- Customizable indicators, sounds, zoom, and accessibility settings.
- Optional cinematic bars rendered underneath the HUD.
- Client-side installation with optional server camera rules.
Indicator types
Choose the marker that best fits your HUD:
- TARGET: an animated four-part reticle around the target.
- ARROW: a floating arrow above the target's head.
- DOT: a compact animated ring at the center of the target.
- NONE: hides the marker while keeping lock-on active.
You can change color, size, opacity, height, outline, shadow, animation, and visibility through walls. Indicator textures can also be replaced with a resource pack.
Camera Modes
Free Rotation - Dynamic
Bows and ranged weapons
An over-the-shoulder camera does not share the same origin as the fired arrow. Combat Focus compensates for that offset so shots follow the locked target more accurately.
While aiming:
- the trajectory is calculated from the player's position;
- bow distance, draw strength, gravity, and drag are considered;
- the current shoulder remains stable;
- the mouse provides limited fine correction;
- mouse gestures cannot accidentally switch targets.
The assistance works in all three camera modes and also recognizes crossbows, tridents, and compatible modded weapons.
Weapons with completely custom projectile physics may require dedicated compatibility.
Epic Fight compatibility
When Epic Fight activates its own lock-on, Combat Focus automatically adopts the same entity and applies its camera, indicator, zoom, cinematic bars, and ranged assistance.
Epic Fight remains responsible for selecting and switching targets. Releasing Epic Fight's lock also releases the mirrored Combat Focus target, preventing both mods from fighting over different entities.
Epic Fight is optional and is not bundled with Combat Focus.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shoulder Surfing required?
Basic lock-on works without it, but Shoulder Surfing 5.0+ is required for proper FREE_ROTATION and the complete DYNAMIC experience. It is strongly recommended.
Will there be a Fabric version or other Minecraft versions?
Yes, if needed and there is enough interest. Fabric support and additional versions require platform-specific implementation and testing before release.
Will it support Leawind's Third Person?
Compatibility will be investigated if possible. Leawind controls the camera itself, so it needs a dedicated and carefully tested integration.
Is it compatible with Better Combat?
Combat Focus does not replace Better Combat's attacks or animations, so both concepts can be used in the same modpack. However, there is no dedicated integration yet, and each version combination should be tested.
Does it replace Better Lock On?
Combat Focus can be used as a Better Lock On alternative, with an emphasis on dynamic camera framing, ranged assistance, accessibility, and Epic Fight integration. Using two independent lock-on mods at the same time is not recommended.
Is Epic Fight required?
No. Epic Fight is optional. Without it, Combat Focus uses its own target-selection system.
Is this client-side?
Yes. A server installation is optional and only allows administrators to share or enforce one camera rotation mode. Players without Combat Focus can still join.
Where is the configuration?
Client settings are generated in combat_focus-client.toml under five main groups: targeting, indicator, sound, accessibility, and camera.
Keep your enemy in focus. Stay in control of the fight.
The Combat Focus Team
Owner
![[TaCZ] Dynamic Bullet Holes project image](https://media.forgecdn.net/avatars/thumbnails/1949/147/256/256/639208645722755161.gif)