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Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or nearly any 3D action game, you're likely well-versed in the glorious feature called the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade any enemy attacks and gain space from the bad guy. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has received significant backlash, and not only because of the rolling; it's been labeled foolish, a easy way out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I agree. Picture me tumbling about nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But the title's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

For this particular game, the designers identified an excellent method to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is too easy: merely bestow all foes overwhelming force, increase it further, and each player character who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, evading successfully feels like an achievement, rather than a cheap trick.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring approaches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and guard stances are readily overcome by tough opponents. A person once suggested hopping as the main Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking ideal movement, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow might boost my prospects of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

While the rolling dodge provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. To begin with, the game's dodge roll merely initiates a frame of protection following you stop pressing the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Furthermore, although it may transport you away from opponents, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to get closer, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. And, finally, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict enemy attacks, since evading too early of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… resulting in severe damage.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in the game. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a plausible combat move — exactly the reason it would be dreadful to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — but this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, thus why worry?

Like any proper dodge roll, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel rather than placing the avatar downward. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem incredibly quick or relatively slow, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves featured in the previous titles. True, you will stick your large weapon in the dirt when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for failing to use alternative arms (Just kidding — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll gain not just victory, but fulfillment.