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If you've played Elden Ring, or most other action-adventure title, chances are you're familiar with the glorious mechanic called the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to perform a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to avoid any enemy attacks and create distance from opponents. Appears practical, right?

The evasion roll, though, has attracted significant backlash, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been called unintelligent, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's rolling dodge stands as the roll to outdo all previous dodge rolls, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the designers identified an excellent method to respond to all views that the move is not challenging enough: simply give all foes unreasonable strength, multiply it, and every Tarnished who ventures close them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. With so much on the line, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in this RPG approaches this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by powerful foes. A person once suggested hopping as the main game evasion method, but aside from not providing ideal movement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit might boost my prospects of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

While this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a frame of protection once you let go of the dodge button, which hinders a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, even though it can transport you away from enemies, it's much better to employ it as a chance to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in fast repetition might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a believable battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, Elden Ring's dodge motion is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, offering a lively impression as opposed to plopping the player downward. According to your loadout, the technique may seem super agile or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the evasion moves found in Dark Souls. True, you will stick your oversized sword into the ground while equipped with it, but that's on you for avoiding alternative arms (Just kidding — steer clear of Elden Ring using ranged options).

Optimal Harmony

This title's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not only success, but gratification.