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Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or just about any third-person combat game, chances are you're familiar with the fantastic feature known as the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade any enemy attacks and create distance from the bad guy. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, nevertheless, has gotten plenty of criticism, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been called dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I agree. Just imagine me rolling around hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But this game's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a great way to respond to all views that the move is overly simple: just grant each opponent overwhelming force, increase it further, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in Elden Ring comes close to this sense of satisfaction and reliability, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are easily broken by powerful foes. One player advised hopping as the main game dodging technique, but besides failing to offer perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. First of all, Elden Ring's evasion move merely initiates a frame of protection following you let go of the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. Lastly, you still need grasp and foresee enemy attacks, since evading too early of a long charging animation might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in this title. Of course, 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 historical simulation — however, this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel instead of placing the avatar onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the move can feel extremely nimble or relatively slow, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges found in the earlier games. Admittedly, you could plant your oversized sword on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for not just playing ranged weapons (I'm joking — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

The game's evasion system creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Learn this skill, and you'll gain not just victory, but satisfaction.