Overview
Dodge is a defense skill in Crimson Desert, available to all three playable characters (Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka). It belongs to the Spirit (Green) branch of the skill tree. Press evade just before being hit to escape danger with invincibility frames.
Skill Details
Detail | Info |
|---|---|
Character | |
Skill Tree | Spirit (Green) |
Category | |
Cost | |
How to Unlock | Auto-unlock |
Input | Circle just before being hit |
How to Acquire
Dodge is unlocked by raising the Keen Senses skill to Level 2 in the Spirit (Green) skill tree. Keen Senses is one of the first skills available in the Green branch, and investing early into it is highly recommended because Dodge is considered the single most important defensive skill in the game.
Effect and Mechanics
Dodge provides invincibility frames (i-frames) when activated just before an incoming attack connects. During the dodge animation, the character becomes briefly invulnerable and repositions out of the attack's path. The timing window is relatively generous compared to similar mechanics in other action RPGs, but players still need to read enemy attack patterns and react accordingly.
All three playable characters share access to Dodge once Keen Senses reaches Level 2. The skill costs Stamina to perform, so maintaining adequate Stamina reserves is essential for sustained defensive play. Pushing Keen Senses to Level 3 unlocks the related Evasive Roll skill, which provides mobility even after taking damage.
Skill Progression
Keen Senses Lv. 1: Base perception improvements.
Keen Senses Lv. 2: Unlocks Dodge, granting invincibility frames on timed evasion.
Keen Senses Lv. 3: Unlocks Evasive Roll, allowing you to roll to safety even after being hit.
Combat Strategy
Dodge is the foundation of survivability in Crimson Desert. Prioritize unlocking it as early as possible by investing in Keen Senses.
Learn boss attack patterns to time your Dodge for maximum i-frame usage. Most bosses telegraph their heavy attacks with distinct animations.
Dodge can be chained with Counter for a powerful defensive-offensive playstyle: dodge an attack, then immediately counterattack.
Against multi-hit combos from bosses like Hornsplitter, you may need to dodge multiple times in succession. Keep enough Stamina for at least two consecutive dodges.
After unlocking Evasive Roll at Keen Senses Lv. 3, you gain a safety net for when your Dodge timing is slightly off.
Dodge is effective against every enemy type in the game, from basic soldiers to end-game bosses. Against bosses like Hornsplitter and Myurdin, learning their telegraph animations is the key to consistent dodge timing. Many heavy attacks have a brief wind-up pause that signals the strike window.
Related Skills
Keen Senses: The parent skill that unlocks Dodge at Lv. 2.
Evasive Roll: Advanced evasion that works even after taking damage.
Counter: A Spirit-branch skill that punishes enemy attacks after a successful parry.
Parry: A related defensive technique that blocks and deflects incoming strikes.
Tips
Keep an eye on your Stamina bar when using this skill repeatedly; running out mid-combo leaves you vulnerable.