Dodging and blocking will be your most used skills in Path of Exile 2, and mastering the basics is crucial for survival. Some attacks cannot be blocked, which is when dodging comes into play – besides the obvious limitation in mobility that blocking brings.
The reverse applies to dodging as well, and players should use either as the situation dictates.
You can find a breakdown of these mechanics, along with their general overview in the sections below.
How to dodge in Path of Exile 2
You can dodge using the Space key on PC, or via the O and B buttons on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S respectively.
Dodging is one of the earliest core skills you will unlock in Path of Exile 2, and is universally available for all classes and their ascensions. This will be your bread and butter for survival, and you should familiarize yourself with it as soon as possible.
Interestingly, dodging incurs no cooldown, and can be extended to a roll – which can be further connected to quickly move across the map and avoid taking enemy fire.
However, certain enemies cannot be dodged easily – which is why you will need to learn how to block as well.
How to block in Path of Exile 2
Blocking is accessible as soon as you grab a Shield in Path of Exile 2. Simply hold up the shield using the ‘Raise Shield’ skill (which is unlockable) to block incoming damage.
Keep in mind that you cannot block forever, as incoming attacks will build up your stagger gauge. Once staggered, you will remain immobile for a while and thus vulnerable to damage.
Furthermore, not all attacks can be blocked – certain bosses and larger enemies can still chew through your block (albeit at a reduced impact or damage), as will AoE spells.
