The Importance of Dodging
While blocking with a shield can be a viable strategy against many foes, especially early on, dodging (or "rolling") is the cornerstone of advanced combat in Dark Souls III. It's not just about avoiding damage; it's about positioning, creating openings, and maintaining aggression. Unlike blocking, which still incurs stamina drain and can lead to guard breaks, a successful dodge grants you complete invincibility frames (i-frames) for a brief period, allowing attacks to pass harmlessly through you.
Mastering the timing of your dodges is crucial. You'll want to roll into or through attacks rather than away from them in many situations, as this often positions you perfectly for a counter-attack. Pay close attention to enemy attack patterns and wind-ups. Your equip load significantly affects your dodge; a lighter load (below 30%) grants a faster, longer "fast roll," while a heavier load (above 70%) results in a slow, ineffective "fat roll." Always strive to keep your equip load in the fast or medium roll range for optimal mobility.