How to Master the Art of Dodging in Action Games
Let’s talk about dodging. Whether you’re hopping into an action-packed RPG or diving headfirst into a fast-paced hack-and-slash, dodging is one of those skills that can make or break your success. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sitting there, controller in hand, sweating bullets as a huge boss monster winds up to take me out. It’s in those moments that I’ve realized—dodging is not just a skill, it’s an art.
For the longest time, I used to think dodging was all about pressing a button at the right time. You know, like when you’re in a fight, and you see an attack coming, and you mash that dodge button like your life depends on it. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably discovered that this isn’t quite enough. Eventually, I learned (the hard way, naturally) that dodging is a delicate dance that involves timing, positioning, and sometimes even a little bit of luck.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I went from being a panicked button masher to a dodging pro. Trust me, it wasn’t pretty at first, but these tips are going to save you from making the same mistakes I did. Let’s get into it.
1. Timing is Everything
One of the first things I had to realize was that dodging isn’t just about speed—it’s about timing. Early on, I was all about mashing the dodge button as soon as I saw an attack coming, but here’s the thing: dodging too early or too late is just as bad as not dodging at all. You might end up dodging into the attack instead of away from it, which is the absolute worst.
The trick is to wait for the attack to actually come toward you and then dodge at the last possible moment. This isn’t something I could just figure out on my own, though. I had to spend some time studying enemy attack patterns and getting the feel for when the “right” moment was to move.
A big tip here: If you’re playing something like Dark Souls or Sekiro, you’ll notice that enemies usually telegraph their attacks with certain windups or animations. In these cases, your best bet is to wait until the last second and then move. For faster games like Bayonetta or Devil May Cry, you’ll want to look for subtle cues, like a change in an enemy’s posture, or an attack animation that gives you a window to dodge.
2. Positioning: Don’t Just Dodge—Move Smart
Here’s another biggie I had to learn: it’s not enough to dodge just to avoid damage. You’ve got to dodge smart. This means positioning yourself after the dodge in a way that gives you an advantage.
I used to dodge blindly, thinking that as long as I wasn’t getting hit, I was good to go. But then I’d end up stuck in a corner, surrounded by enemies, and that’s when the real pain starts.
For example, in The Witcher 3, I found that dodging behind an enemy after avoiding their strike is a great way to get in a quick counterattack. In Bloodborne, I’ve learned that dodging toward the enemy (rather than away) opens up opportunities for aggressive follow-up attacks. This works especially well in games where you need to stay on the offensive, like in hack-and-slash games.
One of my biggest epiphanies came when I was playing Nier: Automata. I would dodge to the side to avoid incoming laser fire, but I wasn’t thinking about where I was dodging. Once I started aiming for spaces that gave me clear shots or put me behind cover, my survival rate shot up. I didn’t just want to dodge—I wanted to dodge into an opportunity.
3. Practice the Roll and the Side Step
Some games have different dodge mechanics, like rolls or side steps. At first, I was all about rolling because it felt like the most natural choice. But as I got deeper into some of my favorite action games, I began to realize that there are situations where rolling is actually a terrible idea.
Take Dark Souls—if you roll too much, you’re not going to get anywhere, especially against fast enemies. In these cases, side-stepping is often your best friend. You avoid the attack while staying mobile, ready to counter. In Sekiro, for example, side stepping at the right moment can leave enemies open to a quick attack, whereas a roll would put you in a vulnerable position.
In contrast, there are games like Nier: Automata where the roll is almost always the best option because it gives you invincibility frames, meaning you’re untouchable for a short time while you roll through attacks. The key takeaway here is to learn the difference between when to roll and when to side-step, based on the specific mechanics of the game you’re playing.
Here’s a quick reference for when to roll vs. side-step:
| Roll | Side-Step |
|---|---|
| Best for invincibility frames (e.g., Nier: Automata) | Best for quick, precise dodging (e.g., Sekiro) |
| Helps avoid multi-hit attacks | Better for single-hit, fast strikes |
| Ideal for larger, slower enemies | Ideal for fast, nimble enemies |
4. Understand the Power of Directional Dodging
Not all dodges are created equal. You need to know that dodging in the right direction makes all the difference. What I learned (the hard way, as always) is that dodging away from enemies isn’t always the best option.
For example, when fighting a boss in Dark Souls, I used to dodge backward to get away from their attacks. But then, I realized that dodging toward the enemy, rather than away, can sometimes give you the opening you need to land a counterattack. You’re staying close enough to punish them, but still avoiding their strikes.
In Bloodborne, I found that dodging forward or toward the attack direction (but at the right moment) can often leave the enemy wide open for a riposte. It’s a risky move, but oh man, it feels so rewarding when you pull it off.
5. Know Your Stamina (or Mana) Limits
One mistake I made early on was not being aware of my stamina or mana limits. Some games have stamina meters that drain when you dodge, while others might make your character temporarily slower after dodging too much. I found this out the hard way in Horizon Zero Dawn.
I’d dodge like crazy to avoid attacks, thinking I was invincible, only to run out of stamina at a crucial moment and get clobbered. Always keep an eye on your stamina or mana bar—because running out mid-fight is as deadly as dodging too late.
6. Use the Environment to Your Advantage
This is one of those tips that I never really thought about until I got into Assassin’s Creed and other open-world action games. The environment can be a great place to make your dodging more effective. Whether it’s dodging around pillars for cover or using a narrow alleyway to avoid being surrounded, the environment can work in your favor.
In games with destructible environments, don’t forget to consider how an attack might change the battlefield. Sometimes dodging into a pile of debris might block the enemy’s next attack, giving you a temporary edge.
Wrapping Up
Dodging is one of those things that you can never completely master—there’s always room for improvement. But with practice, a little patience, and some clever positioning, you’ll be dodging like a pro in no time. And when you finally start dodging effortlessly, it’ll feel amazing.
Do yourself a favor—don’t just mash buttons. Take a moment to pay attention to enemy patterns, think about your positioning, and understand how your game handles dodging. It’ll make a world of difference in your gameplay experience.
If you’ve got any tips or stories of your own, drop them in the comments. Would love to hear how you’ve leveled up your dodging game!