Pro-Tip Needed

[SteppenWolf]

Ok, I like this type of game but I'm not exactly great at them. There is one particular enemy that drives me nuts and I don't know their name. They are the big brutes with a couple unblockable moves which result in them grappling you. The auto heal keeps me alive but damn if these guys don't whoop my ass every time. What are they called? Is there a guide out there on how to deal with them?

'Preaciate!

[SteppenWolf]

Found this discussion that talks about them:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/235460/discussions/0/522730701948182425/

[One X]

They are Mastiffs, definetely most annoying enemy in the game. As said in the above thread you should be using dodge against their grab attacks. Use it in the last moment of their grab animation, it doesn't matter where you stand, close or afar. Another thing to note - if Mastiff is doing short animation of preparing to grab you, he will stop after the miss; if he's doing long animation, he will keep running after he misses you and still be able to grab you, just continue to dodge in this case. And of course be always ready to mash your stick if Mastiff manages to grab you.

Or you could use Sai to stun them.

[SteppenWolf]

Yeah, I like the Sai's stun ability but I so much prefer to play with the ol' standard/heavy attack combo. I haven't messed with the dodge ability much. Is it like in dark souls 2 where dodging makes you near invincible or does it really need to be timed perfectly?

[One X]

First frames of the dodge have invinsibility. So if you time it perfect, even if you get hit, you'll go through the attack. You need to use it right before enemy tries to hit you.