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If you've played Elden Ring, or most other third-person combat game, you're likely well-versed in the fantastic feature referred to as the “dodge roll.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to execute a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to dodge incoming harm and gain space from opponents. Sounds handy, right?

The evasion roll, nevertheless, has gotten a lot of flak, and not only due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I see the point. You should see me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in a well-known fantasy game — untouchable! But the title's evasion move represents the evasion to surpass every other dodge rolls, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the developers found an excellent method to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is too easy: simply give all foes unreasonable strength, triple that, and all heroes who ventures close them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No alternative avoidance technique in the game comes close to this sense of satisfaction and reliability, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and defensive postures get quickly shattered by tough opponents. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to game dodging technique, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

Although the dodge roll offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. To begin with, the game's evasion move just activates a window of invulnerability following you release the roll control, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, although it may carry you off from enemies, it's much better to employ it as a chance to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you must still comprehend and predict enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a plausible combat move — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — however, this is a flashy fantasy title under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper dodge roll, the game's rolling animation is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the start, giving it an energetic feel instead of plopping the player on the floor. Based on your equipment, the move can feel extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, but it remains faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges found in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you could plant your oversized sword into the ground while equipped with it, but that's on you for failing to use a crossbow (Just kidding — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

The game's evasion system creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, providing prospects of success while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not just victory, but satisfaction.