The Callisto Protocol introduces next-gen survival horror with some familiar tropes designed to make gameplay challenging. However, the close-quarters combat can be difficult to learn, making fighting a nightmare for inexperienced players who want to take on super-strong alien biophages.
The Callisto Protocol requires players to be frugal with their items and ammo, as currency pickups and bullet drops are limited in many places. Even the game's own tutorial isn't very informative for using the 'perfect dodge' technique when surrounded by multiple attackers, so the following useful pointers may come in handy for gamers choosing a harder difficulty to get a trophy/achievement.
Tips to Perfect Dodge in The Callisto Protocol
Practice, Practice, Practice
During the second chapter of The Callisto Protocol, a single tutorial prompt is given for players to get used to dodging mutants. Even on harder difficulties, it is possible to fight back and dispatch this first enemy without really using the dodge mechanic or understanding how it works. The manual dodge prompt can also feel like a random chance compared to an active tutorial, so players may miss the nuance required to dodge successfully.
The usual dodge mechanic requires holding either left or right to avoid an impending attack or backwards to block and receive less damage from a hit. Thumb movements can vary between a successful dodge, a successful block, or neither; since there are no on-screen prompts for this, it is recommended that players retry this first section.
What is a Perfect Dodge?
A usual dodge in-game requires spotting which direction an attack is coming from and holding the left stick/moving the character either left or right. If done correctly, this will automatically cause the player character to dodge enemy attacks by alternating the left and right movement, allowing them to counter. However, a perfect dodge requires more precise timing and focus to complete.
Instead of holding left or right before being attacked, players instead need to tap the left stick/movement button moments before the attack. A correct perfect dodge will happen in slow motion, also allowing the player to counter and hit back harder. The timing window is so short in comparison to the usual dodges, which is why an emphasis on practice is required.
Successfully chaining a perfect dodge means less ammo and resources are used against The Callisto Protocol' s enemies, plus less damage will be taken once rapid dodging is mastered. This is very useful on maximum security difficulty, where biophage attacks do more damage, and the player character can be downed very easily.
Use the Accessibility Settings
For players struggling to melee and dodge successfully, there are specific options in the Accessibility Settings menu that can give more control during combat. Examples include the Auto-Dodge button, which means players don't need to alternate between holding left and right when dodging. However, this still requires movement in a specific direction; it won't automatically cause the player character to avoid being hit.
Additionally, since biophage combos get longer as the game progresses, turning on the Melee Assist option and Auto Aim c an make dispatching them much easier after successfully dodging. With these settings enabled, and any others that the player wishes to use, timing for the perfect dodge can be made comparatively easier if players want to use it.
Keep Moving
A lot of survival horror comes from rationing items and health for upcoming ambushes from enemies, so preserving all collected items is key for survival. When battling biophages, it is important that the player gets hit as few times as possible, which can be done with continuous dodging and movement.
By dodging frequently, the opportunity to counter will mean mutants can be more easily dispatched, and some enemy encounters can be ignored entirely if the player chooses. Also, it is recommended to attempt the perfect dodge against solo enemies rather than groups (especially in The Callisto Protocol's earlier chapters.)
If attempting a perfect dodge is too risky, using a regular dodge and moving out of harm's way will still keep the player alive for longer.
Since biophages appear frequently, players would benefit greatly from knowing how to dodge every time, and their practice will be rewarded. Successfully pulling off a perfect dodge five times will also unlock one of The Callisto Protocol's challenging trophies/achievements. By learning how to perfect dodge early on, The Callisto Protocol can be a more enjoyable and less stressful game for players eager to unearth the horrors lying in wait.
The Callisto Protocol is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.