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If you've played this acclaimed title, or most other third-person combat game, chances are you're familiar with the wonderful technique referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move allows your character to perform a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to avoid any enemy attacks and move away from the bad guy. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, however, has received a lot of flak, not simply as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled dumb, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I see the point. Picture me rolling around nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — untouchable! But this game's dodge roll stands as the roll to outdo all previous dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.

In Elden Ring's case, the creators discovered an excellent method to address all opinions suggesting the technique is too easy: simply give all foes unreasonable strength, triple that, and all heroes who approaches them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, me included. With so much on the line, evading successfully feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in the game matches this sense of satisfaction and reliability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and defensive postures are easily broken by strong enemies. One player advised leaping as the primary Elden Ring dodging technique, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I couldn't understand how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

While this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge just activates a period of immunity after you let go of the roll control, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from enemies, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to advance, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. Lastly, you must still comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in this title. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a believable fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be dreadful to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a flashy fantasy title under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, the game's rolling animation is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the start, providing a dynamic sensation instead of placing the avatar on the floor. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem incredibly quick or relatively slow, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges featured in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you may embed your oversized sword into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's on you for failing to use a crossbow (In jest — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).

The Perfect Balance

The game's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Learn this skill, and you'll gain not only success, but satisfaction.