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For those who have experienced the popular action RPG, or nearly any action-adventure title, chances are you're familiar with the fantastic feature known as the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique enables your hero to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to avoid any enemy attacks and move away from the bad guy. Appears practical, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, though, has attracted a lot of flak, not simply due to the tumbling; it's been called dumb, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I concur. Just imagine me rolling around nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — untouchable! But the title's dodge roll stands as the roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the developers found a great way to address all opinions claiming the maneuver is overly simple: simply give each opponent overwhelming force, triple that, and all heroes who ventures close them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, me included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in the game matches this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and guard stances are readily overcome by tough opponents. Someone once recommended hopping as the main game avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing ideal movement, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

But even though this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. First of all, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a window of invulnerability once you let go of the evasion key, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Additionally, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you still need understand and anticipate foe assaults, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in the game. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a plausible battle technique — the very cause why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title being considered, so who cares?

Similar to any respectable rolling dodge, Elden Ring's rolling animation is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the start, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to placing the avatar onto the ground. According to your loadout, the move can feel incredibly quick or relatively slow, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves featured in Dark Souls. Certainly, you will stick your oversized sword on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for not just playing ranged weapons (Just kidding — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

This title's dodging mechanic establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but satisfaction.