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If you've played this acclaimed title, or just about any third-person combat game, you're likely familiar with the glorious feature called the “dodge roll.” This evasion technique allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade all incoming damage and create distance from opponents. Sounds handy, right?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled foolish, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I see the point. Picture me rolling around hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But this game's rolling dodge stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and here's the reason.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified an excellent method to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is too easy: simply give every enemy overwhelming force, triple that, and all heroes who approaches them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.

No different defensive move in the game comes close to this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances are readily overcome by strong enemies. A person once suggested hopping as the main Elden Ring evasion method, but besides failing to offer perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

But even though this evasion move offers respite in a famously difficult title, it requires practice. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge just activates a window of invulnerability once you release the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from enemies, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to advance, optimally at their back, and strike blows. Lastly, you still need comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in this title. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a believable battle technique — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, thus why worry?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, offering a lively impression instead of placing the avatar on the floor. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or relatively slow, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the evasion moves featured in Dark Souls. True, you could plant your big blade into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for failing to use ranged weapons (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring using ranged options).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but gratification.