Block and dodging

Shield Block
Shields have a default Block skill that enables you to completely negate an attack. The effect only lasts for a moment though, so you will have to time it right. Used effectively, this skill can protect you from the less frequent but devastating attacks that many enemies have.

Dodging Attacks
Some enemies possess very strong attacks that do a lot of damage if they hit you. However, such attacks can be avoided before they hit home. These enemies usually indicate their intention to use a lethal strike with some warning sign, both visually and audibly. When you see such a sign, quickly get out of the creature’s way.

Note that enemy attacks in general can be avoided if you time your movement right – and if your character is fast enough. This is true even for ranged attacks. You can dodge everything except for the fastest moving projectiles.