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Having spent time with this acclaimed title, or just about any third-person combat game, you're probably familiar with the glorious feature referred to as the “dodge roll.” This evasion technique enables your hero to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to dodge any enemy attacks and move away from opponents. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, though, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been called foolish, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I agree. Picture me somersaulting past hostile mobs in another popular RPG — untouchable! But Elden Ring's dodge roll is the dodge roll to outdo all previous dodge rolls, and here's the reason.

For this particular game, the creators discovered an excellent method to respond to all views that the move is not challenging enough: merely bestow all foes unreasonable strength, multiply it, and all heroes who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in the game approaches this sense of satisfaction and dependability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are easily broken by powerful foes. A person once suggested hopping as the main game avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, this title's dodge roll just activates a window of invulnerability once you stop pressing the evasion key, which stops a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, although it may transport you away from foes, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to advance, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. And, finally, you must still grasp and foresee foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in this title. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a realistic battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a spectacular magical game being considered, so who cares?

Like any proper evasion move, this title's evasion sequence is improved by a little somersault-y hop at the start, providing a dynamic sensation instead of placing the avatar downward. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls used in the previous titles. True, you may embed your large weapon into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for avoiding a crossbow (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring with a crossbow).

The Perfect Balance

Elden Ring's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not only success, but satisfaction.