Dodge Feat Pathfinder: How to Avoid The Hits

The fighter’s sword swung through the air, but the rogue was too quick.

She used her Dodge Feat to get out of the way, and then she laughed at the fighter’s clumsiness.

“You can’t even hit me!” she taunted. “I’m too fast for you!”

The fighter tried to hit her again, but she was indeed too quick.

She dodged his ferocious but unsuccessful attack again and chuckled, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

With the Dodge Feat, Pathfinder 1e players can use their reflexes and training to quickly dodge out of the way of attacks.

In Pathfinder 2e, rogues can use the Nimble Dodge Feat in a similar manner, evading attacks to preserve hit points.

In this article, we’ll discuss the Dodge Feat and other evasive maneuvers, explaining the best methods for avoiding attacks that might otherwise crush your character.

What is the Dodge Feat in Pathfinder 1e?

The Pathfinder 1e Dodge Feat is a big defensive boost that Pathfinder characters can take to help avoid blows. It allows them to add a dexterity bonus to their AC for a round to dodge effectively, so they can roll out of the way of a striking sword or flying arrow.

Keep in mind that the prerequisite for the feat is a 13 in Dexterity, and some conditions can cause you to lose the Dexterity bonus to your AC, nullifying the benefits of the feat.

The Dodge Feat doesn’t need to be declared. It’s basically a permanent stat increase that helps you dodge attacks more easily. While that may seem to make this feat almost too good to be true, it also has its downsides.

For example, as mentioned above, it isn’t applicable when you don’t have access to your AC bonus due to a condition or for any other reason. 

Additionally, it’s a relatively small bonus when you consider that you have to use one of your feats to get it, and you only get new feats when leveling up. 

However, one major reason for taking the Dodge Feat is that it qualifies for other features down the line. Whirlwind Attack is one example of a qualifying feat.

How to Dodge in Pathfinder

Combat in Pathfinder involves players taking turns to attack their enemies. In this way, combat is broken down in an orderly fashion that is easy to understand.

Once initiative rolls have determined the attack order, combat proceeds until every character has taken a turn.

During their turn, players can move, attack, or cast spells. With feats, characters can learn special abilities. Some abilities are defensive in nature, such as the Dodge Feat, giving you a better chance of avoiding an enemy’s attacks.

Of course, a real fight is a lot more chaotic than this. Pathfinder abstracts combat behind a turn-based system so that the game is fun to play. When characters use feats and abilities, it’s actually happening at the same time as everyone else. 

In this way, dodging attacks happen automatically. When your enemy misses their attack, it’s the same as you dodging it. While certain feats and abilities will make you harder to hit, dodging attacks is more about avoiding damage by making wise choices.

Fighting Without Fighting

The best way to dodge an attack is to avoid combat altogether. Use words and not weapons when you can. It’s better to intimidate a guard than to get into a fight. At least no one dies when you bully the guard. 

And if your words fail, try magic! A wise wizard knows how to defeat opponents without violence, and a clever charm spell could help you avoid combat. Granted it’s a bad way to make friends, but a good way to stay alive! 

Sleep is another great option. With the Sleep spell, you can sometimes sidestep combat entirely. Sweet dreams are better than swinging swords after all. Don’t let your opponents make a decision they’ll come to regret. Who knows, maybe a nap will change their attitude. 

For those lacking in the magical arts, there are other ways to keep your hit points full. Try taking cover during combat and avoid being surrounded. Just like in real life, it’s always best to travel with companions, preferably ones who can handle themselves accordingly.

Can You Dodge Attacks in Pathfinder 2e?

Dodging attacks in Pathfinder is a crucial skill to have as it can help you prevent damage and stay alive. In Pathfinder 2e, rogues are experts at dodging attacks, using their quick reflexes and agility to avoid harm.

When an enemy makes an attack against a rogue, the rogue can use her Nimble Dodge Feat to try to avoid the blow.

To use the Nimble Dodge Feat, the rogue must be aware of the attack and able to react to it. If the rogue is surprised or stunned, she cannot use Nimble Dodge to avoid the attack.

The rogue must also be able to move freely, without being hampered by difficult terrain, obstacles, or over-encumbrance.

If the dodge is successful, the rogue takes no damage from the attack and may even get out of the way of the fighter’s follow-up strike.

There’s no shame in running away from danger. In fact, it’s encouraged! One of the best ways to dodge enemy attacks is to get out of their range. Many opponents and monsters only use melee attacks. They’ll need to get close before they can hit you. 

With the Fleet Feat, your character will gain a bonus to their Speed, making it easier for them to escape the fray and stay alive. Never underestimate speed in combat.

Having extra mobility not only helps you avoid attacks but can also be of strategic value. Oftentimes combat is objective-based, so having extra movement every turn can be crucial to victory.

Escaping Danger

When playing defensively in Pathfinder 2e, it’s important to remember that you can use many of the same techniques as you would in real life. Try to keep a safe distance from your enemies, using ranged weapons and spells to take them down.

If that’s not possible, use obstacles and terrain to your advantage, making it harder for your enemies to hit you.

If you do get surrounded, try to use your allies as a shield. And remember, if all else fails, try to retreat and live to fight another day!

Pathfinder 2e also includes the Stealth skill, which allows players to evade combat by hiding in the shadows. When using Stealth to avoid enemies, it’s important to remember that you can only remain hidden as long as you don’t make any noise or give away your position.

The best way to use Stealth is to stay out of sight and keep quiet. If you can do this, you’ll be able to avoid most enemies completely. Just make sure you don’t walk into an enemy trap!

Step

The step action is a move that allows you to move up to your speed without provoking an opportunity attack. This is a valuable action that can help you get out of danger or reposition yourself on the battlefield.

By using the Step action, your character can effectively dodge attacks of opportunity. Don’t underestimate the potential of defensive maneuvers. In Pathfinder, every hit point counts.

Take Cover

Sometimes the battlefield can be used to the player’s advantage. By ducking behind a wall or obstacle, you can make yourself harder to hit. Taking cover this way will give player’s a circumstance bonus to their AC. Doing so also improves Stealth and Hide checks.

Taking cover is a great way to dodge danger. If characters hide behind a large obstacle–like a thick wall–they’ll gain an additional boost to their defenses. 

Close Call

The Dodge Feat is a great way for Pathfinder players to avoid taking damage in combat. It’s a versatile feat that can be used in many different situations, and it has the added bonus of qualifying for other feats later on.

While it may not be perfect, the Dodge Feat is still a valuable tool for any player looking to stay safe in a fight. 

If dodging doesn’t sound appealing, then try fighting without fighting by avoiding combat entirely through words and magic spells. All these feats and spells are sure to prepare you for the harsh world of Golarion.