How does "Dodge" really work?

This has actually been a burning question I have had for the longest time now. How does the "Dodge" mechanic in Payday 2 really work? To my (vague) knowledge, dodge allows you to basically avoid damage. Essentially, rather than simply increasing the damage you can take, it reduces the damage that you take. However, I still don't understand how it works precisely.

For starters, what do the dodge values represent?

For example, how much better is having 50 Dodge as compared to having 20 Dodge? Does your amount of dodge represent your percentage chance of dodging a bullets?

Secondly, when can you dodge?"

When do you begin to dodge bullets? It is completely random, where you would dodge random incoming projectiles?

Lastly, what can you dodge?

Are you able to dodge anything? For example, apart from your usual bullets, can you dodge sniper shots, explosive damage or Cloaker hits?

payday-2

Best Answer

While I normally don't play dodge builds, I'll answer as best I can:

what do the dodge values represent?

They are percentage chances to avoid all damage of any attack.

when can you dodge?

Any time, however the dodge chance is dependent on your stance. See answer for some examples.

what can you dodge?

You can dodge all ranged projectiles and the damage from melee attacks. I'm not sure about explosives or cloaker attacks, but I suspect cloaker ninja-kicks aren't actually attacks, but a special action, and thus cannot be dodged.

Source and more info here.