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Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or nearly any third-person combat game, chances are you're familiar with the wonderful mechanic known as the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to perform a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to dodge incoming harm and move away from the bad guy. Appears practical, right?

The evasion roll, though, has received significant backlash, not simply as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I concur. You should see me rolling around local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's dodge roll stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a clever approach to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is too easy: just grant all foes unreasonable strength, multiply it, and each player character who approaches them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, rather than a cheap trick.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring matches this level of gratification and dependability, as quick dashes offer limited distance and defensive postures get quickly shattered by powerful foes. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary game evasion method, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though the rolling dodge grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. First of all, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a frame of protection following you let go of the dodge button, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, while it might carry you off from enemies, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. And, finally, you must still grasp and foresee enemy attacks, since evading too early of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Well-Designed Feature

Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a plausible battle technique — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a flashy fantasy title under discussion, so who cares?

Like any proper dodge roll, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation rather than dropping the character on the floor. According to your loadout, the technique may seem incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves found in the earlier games. Admittedly, you may embed your big blade into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for failing to use a crossbow (In jest — avoid using Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

This title's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not only success, but fulfillment.