Backstep

“	The ability to step backward quickly.	„
	~ Description from Classic II: Dominique's Curse

“	Attacking leaves you vulnerable, but you can backstep out of the attack to avoid taking a hit.	„
	~ Loading tip from Ritual of the Night

“	You can perform one additional attack while backstepping.	„
	~ Loading tip from Ritual of the Night

Backstep is a gameplay mechanic featured in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. It is an evasive maneuver where the player character gives a quick jump backward to get away from a dangerous spot.

Description[]

Backstep is a basic evasive maneuver where the player character performs a quick step backward, allowing them to quickly get away from a dangerous spot. This move is usually assigned to the left shoulder button of a controller, regardless of the system. Besides the handy evading ability this move provides, the player is also able to perform an additional attack while backstepping. This can be used to interrupt the player's backstepping animation, allowing them to attack again in quick succession or perform any other action. This sometimes gives a tactical advantage, especially for slower weapons.

The Moon Belt lengthens the player's backstepping distance roughly by 50% (that is, about an extra half of a normal backstep), which can be used to more easily avoid enemy attacks, or at least to leave the player at a safer spot while doing so. It is also possible to repeatedly press the Backstep button while wearing this Accessory and this way travel at a faster pace than normally walking.

Almost all playable characters in Ritual of the Night can backstep, with the sole exception of Gremory in Boss Revenge Mode; the corresponding button instead makes her perform the Eratosthenes attack. Aurora's "backstep" while flying notably makes her fly in reverse without losing altitude. Miriam can backstep in Classic Mode but not in the variant 1986 Mode, which removes most special abilities. In Classic II: Dominique's Curse, the Backstep exists as a Skill Shard that is bought from the Merchant in Goetia for 20 Coins.

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Trivia[]

The addition of this move to Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is directly borrowed from the Back Dash ability from the Castlevania series, where it behaves in a very similar manner.