How to Dodge

Dodging can only be done after learning certain skills in Dragon's Dogma 2 (DD2). Read on and learn how to dodge and any alternatives to dodging in the game!

How to Dodge

No Universal Dodge Mechanic

There is no universal “dodge” mechanic to which all vocations have access. Instead, each vocation has their own ways to defend themselves from enemy attacks. These come in the form of their Weapon Skills or Core Skills.

Avoid or Block Attacks Using Vocation Skills

Vocations each have unique ways to dodge and negate damage from attacks that come from their Weapon and Core Skills.

Note that some vocations, especially ranged ones, may have limited options for dodging or defending themselves from enemy attacks.

Dodge Alternatives for Each Starter Vocation

Defend and Deflect as a Fighter

The Fighter is a shield-wielding vocation specializing in negating damage by blocking damage with their shield instead.

Holding the Vocation Action button lifts the fighter's shield to block incoming attacks. Learning the True Deflect Core Skill allows you to “parry” enemy attacks and stagger them by timing your blocks.

Fighter Best Skills and Builds

Weave Through Enemies as a Thief

The Thief class has the quintessential dodge mechanic through Swift Step. This Vocation Action allows you to dash quickly to evade enemy attacks.

Press the Vocation Action button to perform a Swift Step to weave through the battlefield and avoid enemy retaliation.

The Thief's Formless Feint Weapon Skill also imbues the user with extreme reactions allowing them to dodge any attacks while performing other actions in exchange of a steady decrease of stamina.

Thief Best Skills and Builds

Slide and Jump Away from Enemies as an Archer

The Archer vocation specializes in firing a barrage of arrows while staying away from enemy threats. If enemies come close, use the Leaping Punt Core Skill to kick the enemy away and leap backward, providing ample space to retaliate and fire more arrows from afar.

After performing a running jump, perform a Leaping Punt by pressing the Heavy Attack button. Learning the Parting Shot Core Skill also allows you to perform an attack after a Leaping Punt by pressing the Light Attack Button.

Archers can access a dash by running and pressing the Light Attack button. While dashing, they can fire a shot by pressing the Light Attack button again.

Archer Best Skills and Builds

Block Attacks with Magic or Levitate as a Mage

The Mage is an incredible offensive and supportive vocation. However, they're the most vulnerable vocation as most skills require time to cast and lack defensive options.

Mages can cast the Palladium Weapon Skill to apply a buff that can absorb three attacks for a duration. This removes one of your four Weapon Skill slots to a purely defensive skill, locking you out for another great offensive spell.

A Core Skill that Mages can learn to defend themselves somehow is Levitate, which allows them to float momentarily in mid-air while still being able to cast spells. While this helps you avoid melee attacks close to the ground, it still makes you vulnerable to ranged attacks as well as attacks from larger foes.

Mage Best Skills and Builds

Dragon's Dogma 2 Related Guides

Beginner's Guide: Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks