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Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're probably well-versed in the fantastic feature known as the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to perform a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to avoid all incoming damage and gain space from opponents. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, though, has received a lot of flak, not simply as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it dumb, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I see the point. Picture me rolling around hostile mobs in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But this game's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a clever approach to counter all sentiments that the move is overly simple: just grant each opponent overwhelming force, multiply it, and all heroes who dares come near them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring matches this level of gratification and consistency, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances are easily broken by tough opponents. One player advised jumping as a go-to game evasion method, but besides failing to offer perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit might boost my prospects of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

Although this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, the game's rolling dodge only triggers a frame of protection once you stop pressing the evasion key, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Moreover, while it might move you aside from foes, it's much better to employ it as a chance to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. In conclusion, you must still grasp and foresee foe assaults, since evading too early of a long charging animation might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.

A Balanced Mechanic

While dodge-rolling in quick succession may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in the game. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a realistic fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a spectacular magical game under discussion, thus why worry?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, this title's rolling animation is spruced up with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, providing a dynamic sensation rather than placing the avatar downward. Based on your equipment, the move can feel incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges found in the previous titles. True, you will stick your large weapon in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for not just playing ranged weapons (I'm joking — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with not only success, but fulfillment.