Shotlocks are powerful attacks that can give players a huge advantage over some of the more challenging enemies in the game. By holding down the L and R Buttons simultaneously, players can call up a lock-on system that targets multiple enemies all at the same time, or targets one enemy multiple times over. When the Shotlock reaches its maximum number of lock-ons, pressing the X Button will release a burst of powerful attacks that seek out and devastate any and all enemies previously targeted. It’s a fast and effective method of dealing with multiple enemies or with one very powerful one, dealing massive damage that could make most fights go much smoother.
Each Shotlock works a little bit differently, and only one Shotlock may be placed into a character’s Shotlock Deck at a time. New Shotlocks can be acquired throughout the game and swapped out with current Shotlocks, allowing players to experiment with each and determine which Shotlock will help them most in certain situations. Not all Shotlocks can be learned by every single character, and some overlapping Shotlocks are acquired through accomplishing different tasks depending on which story you are currently playing. A complete list of Shotlocks is provided below – including the max number of locks, max level, a brief description of how to use it, and how to obtain it – organized according to which characters are able to learn them.
Terra
Dark Volley
Max Locks: 18
Max LV: 5
Description: Launch dark projectiles at targets. Has a high lock-on count. Press the X Button after initial burst to rapidly to fire bursts of three additional projectiles.
Location: Defeat Braig at Radiant Garden
Sonic Shadow
Max Locks: 10
Max LV: 5
Description: Become one with the shadows and rush targets repeatedly, blinding the enemies you hit. Press buttons when prompted to cause explosions centered around the foes you hit.
Location: Default Shotlock
Ultima Cannon
Max Locks: 16
Max LV: 6
Description: The ultimate Shotlock. Transform your Keyblade into an enormous weapon that causes massive explosions with every blast. After the initial burst, perform a well-timed button press to cause the bullets to explode after impact.
Location: Clear “Keepers of the Arena” at the Mirage Arena
Ventus
Multivortex
Max Locks: 30
Max LV: 6
Description: The ultimate Shotlock. Rapidly swing the Keyblade and harness the wind to launch shockwaves at targets with every stroke. After the initial attack, rotate the analog pad when prompted to elongate the whirlwind.
Location: Clear “Keepers of the Arena” at the Mirage Arena
Pulse Bomb
Max Locks: 20
Max LV: 5
Description: Launch energy blasts from the tip of your Keyblade and bombard targets with a series of small explosions. Has a high lock-on count. After the initial burst, perform a well-timed button press to cause additional explosions.
Location: Treasure Chest in Deep Space
Aqua
Bubble Blaster
Max Locks: 15
Max LV: 5
Description: Launch bubbles at targets. After the initial attack, press the X Button rapidly to fire bursts of two additional bubbles.
Location: Default Shotlock
Lightbloom
Max Locks: 20
Max LV: 6
Description: The ultimate Shotlock. Perform a series of graceful spins as you fire blasts of light in all directions. After the initial attack, rotate the analog pad to unleash a second barrage of projectiles.
Location: Clear “Keepers of the Arena” at the Mirage Arena
Prism Rain
Max Locks: 16
Max LV: 5
Description: Launch a salvo of rainbow-colored orbs. After the initial burst, preform a well-timed button press to fire additional projectiles.
Location: Treasure Chest in Deep Space
All
Absolute Zero
Max Locks: 12
Max LV: 4
Description: Cloak yourself in ice and rush targets repeatedly. Press buttons when prompted to cause pillars of ice to erupt beneath the foes you hit.
Location: Treasure Chest in Disney Town (Terra); Treasure Chest in Enchanted Dominion (Ventus & Aqua)
Bio Barrage
Max Locks: 8
Max LV: 4
Description: Launch a salvo of projectiles that can possibly poison targets. After the initial attack, perform a well-timed button press to fire additional blobs.
Location: 2500 Medals at the Mirage Arena Shop (all stories); Melding (all stories)
Chaos Snake
Max Locks: 20
Max LV: 4
Description: Launch projectiles that zigzag at targets and confuse enemies they hit. After the initial burst, press the X Button rapidly to fire bursts of three additional fireballs.
Location: Win Fruitball against Captain Justice / Captain Dark (all stories)
Flame Salvo
Max Locks: 15
Max LV: 4
Description: Launch fireballs at targets. After the initial burst, press the X Button rapidly to fire bursts of three additional fireballs.
Location: Treasure Chest in Dwarf Woodlands (Terra); Default Shotlock (Ventus), 900 Medals at Mirage Arena Shop (Aqua)
Lightning Ray
Max Locks: 18
Max LV: 4
Description: Rush targets repeatedly with lightning speed. Press the X Button when prompted to repeat the rush attack.
Location: Prize on the Spaceship Command Board (all stories); Melding (all stories)
Meteor Shower
Max Locks: 30
Max LV: 4
Description: Launch small, star-like projectiles at targets. Has an especially high lock-on count. After the initial burst, press the X Button rapidly to fire bursts of three additional meteors.
Location: Prize on Royal Command Board (all stories); Melding (all stories)
Photon Charge
Max Locks: 15
Max LV: 4
Description: Rush targets repeatedly and attack with the power of light. Press buttons when prompted to cause explosions centered around the foes you hit.
Location: 1600 Medals at Mirage Arena Shop (all stories)
Ragnarok
Max Locks: 16
Max LV: 4
Description: Launch a single salvo of light projectiles. After the initial burst, perform a well-timed button press to fire additional projectiles.
Location: Prize on Keyblade Command Board (all stories)
Thunderstorm
Max Locks: 5
Max LV: 4
Description: Launch a small single salvo of electric blasts. Even one blast by itself packs a significant punch. After the initial burst, perform a well-timed button press to fire additional blasts.
Location: Treasure Chest in Castle of Dreams (all stories)