Dead Island 2: How to Block, Dodge, and Counter

Tanim Hasan
By Tanim Hasan
4 Min Read
Credit: Dambuster Studios

Block, Dodge, and Counter are some of the core abilities you will use throughout your time in Dead Island 2. Here is how you to each of the abilities.

Dead Island 2 has a pretty satisfying melee combat system. There are guns in the game, but they are pretty weak compared to melee and attract too much attention from the zombies. So you will mostly be using melee options throughout the game’s playtime.

Dead Island 2 has a simple weapon-based melee, counter, and dodge system. They are pretty easy to learn but hard to master. Using the right one at the right time can be the difference between life and death in this game. But these abilities don’t come pre-unlocked.

To use dodge or block, you will need to unlock its skill card and equip them in the defense section. Then you will be able to use these abilities in the game. Once you have equipped these cards, follow this guide to learn how to use each of the abilities.

Read More: Dead Island 2: How To Change Active Quest

How to Block in Dead Island 2

Blocking requires the block card to be equipped in the defense section. Once equipped, you can use the defense ability button to block incoming attacks. For PC players, the button is Left Alt. On PlayStation, it is L1, and Xbox has LB for a block. Holding the button will keep your character in block mode. However, the tougher enemies can break through your block using their attacks.

block card in dead island 2
Credit: Dambuster Studios

How to Dodge in Dead Island 2

Just like the block ability, dodge needs its own skill card. Once you have equipped, you can use the defense ability button to use it. So the button layout is the same as the block. PC is Left Alt, PlayStation is L1, and Xbox is LB.

dodge card in dead island 2
Credit: Dambuster Studios

Since the dodge and block use the same button, you can only use one of the two cards. So either block or dodge, whichever you prefer. The light attacker zombies are good to block. However, you will not be able to block the apex types. But dodge can be used to get out of the way in any scenario. Of course, you will be able to change the cards at will to see which one fits your playstyle more.

How to Counter in Dead Island 2

The counter doesn’t need any additional skill card to use. It is an extension of your dodge or block, whichever you are using. If you dodge or block at the last moment, you will be prompted with the option to counterattack. Press the required button for the counterattack to deal a devastating blow to your enemies.

If you like this article, why not check out other guides on All Main Missions and Side Quests List, Top 5 Best Weapons, Landscaper’s Key – Eddie’s Toolbox, and much more!

By Tanim Hasan Guide Writer
Tanim Hasan is a Guide Writer at GameRiv working on various games which consists of mostly new releases. His favourite genre is Hack and Slash, and Souls Like. But he is open to play any game regardless of the genre. So he has experience with most genres of games.