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Having spent time with Elden Ring, or most other 3D action game, you're likely acquainted with the wonderful technique called the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to execute a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to avoid incoming harm and create distance from opponents. Seems useful, right?

This rolling move, though, has received significant backlash, and not only as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I concur. You should see me rolling around hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But the title's dodge roll represents the evasion to surpass every other evasion moves, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified an excellent method to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is overly simple: simply give all foes excessive power, triple that, and every Tarnished who ventures close them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, rather than a cheap trick.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring matches this level of gratification and dependability, because swift moves offer limited distance and guard stances are readily overcome by tough opponents. Someone once recommended hopping as the main game avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

But even though the dodge roll offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity once you let go of the dodge button, which stops a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Moreover, even though it can carry you off from enemies, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, preferably behind the opponent, and land some hits. Lastly, you still need comprehend and predict opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Balanced Mechanic

Although evasion-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Of course, that fails to transform it into a realistic fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper evasion move, Elden Ring's dodge motion is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the commencement, offering a lively impression rather than plopping the player downward. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear super agile or relatively slow, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges found in the previous titles. Admittedly, you could plant your oversized sword into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (In jest — avoid using Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

The game's evasion system creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but gratification.