Dodging is a fundamental skill in The Callisto Protocol, and while the in-game tutorial provides a basic understanding, it doesn’t fully prepare you for the fast-paced, high-stakes encounters you’ll face. When three or more enemies close in on you, simply following the guide won’t be enough—you’ll need precision, quick reflexes, and strategic movement. This guide will teach you how to dodge effectively, anticipate attacks, and survive even the toughest battles.

Understanding Dodging Mechanics

Dodging in The Callisto Protocol is performed by leaning in specific directions to evade enemy attacks. Unlike a traditional dodge roll seen in many survival horror games, dodging here is more akin to the careful timing and movement of Dark Souls rather than the frantic movement of Dead Space.

However, it’s important to note that dodging does not work against every enemy type. Larger brutes, for example, will simply power through your attempts to dodge and knock you down. For smaller, more agile enemies, dodging is all about pattern recognition and well-timed movements.

How to Dodge: Controls and Execution

The left analog stick is your primary tool for dodging. Here’s how it works:

• Time Your Dodge: You must move just as the enemy begins their attack motion.
• Opposite Direction Dodge: If an enemy attacks with their left arm, flick the left analog stick to the right. If they attack with their right arm, flick the stick to the left.
• Alternating Dodges: Some enemies will follow up their initial attack with another from the opposite side. You’ll need to dodge in one direction first, then immediately switch to the other direction.
• Avoid Double Dodging in One Direction: The game will never require you to dodge twice in the same direction in quick succession. If you attempt this, you’ll fail the sequence and get hit.

It sounds simple, but the reality is much trickier due to the game’s unforgiving timing window. Expect to take some hits early on as you learn the rhythm of enemy attacks.

Perfect Dodge and Counter-Attacks

While any dodge can help you avoid damage, a perfect dodge sets you up for a devastating counterattack:

1. Dodge Just Before Impact: The perfect dodge happens when you evade at the last possible moment as an enemy begins to swing.
2. Follow Up with a Counterattack: After a successful perfect dodge, use a slow melee counterstrike. This will stagger the enemy and open them up for a well-placed gunshot.
3. Instant Kill Opportunities: If executed correctly, this combo will often eliminate an enemy immediately, saving you precious health and ammo.

Dealing with Multiple Enemies

Dodging becomes significantly harder when multiple enemies attack you at once. Here’s how to handle crowd encounters:

• Stay Mobile: Keep moving to prevent being surrounded.
• Prioritize Targets: Focus on eliminating the most aggressive enemies first.
• Use the GRP (Gravity Restraint Projector): If available, throw enemies into environmental hazards to reduce their numbers quickly.
• Stun and Separate: Use well-timed melee attacks to stagger enemies and create openings for strategic repositioning.

Final Tips for Dodging Like a Pro

• Expect a Learning Curve: Your first encounters will likely result in some painful mistakes. Stick with it, and you’ll eventually master the rhythm.
• Learn Enemy Attack Patterns: Enemies will change their attack direction, but their actual attack types remain the same. Recognizing these patterns is key.
• Combine Dodging with Blocking: While dodging is essential, learning how to block can provide additional defense in unavoidable situations.

With practice, dodging in The Callisto Protocol will become second nature, allowing you to glide through battles with precision and efficiency. Master this skill, and you’ll stand a much better chance of surviving Black Iron Prison’s horrors.