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If you've played the popular action RPG, or most other 3D action game, you're probably well-versed in the glorious technique referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move allows your character to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to avoid incoming harm and gain space from opponents. Appears practical, right?

The evasion roll, though, has attracted significant backlash, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been called unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But this game's evasion move stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a great way to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is too easy: simply give all foes excessive power, increase it further, and each player character who approaches them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in this RPG approaches this level of gratification and consistency, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and guard stances get quickly shattered by tough opponents. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer ideal movement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

While this evasion move provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. To begin with, Elden Ring's evasion move merely initiates a window of invulnerability following you release the roll control, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to advance, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. And, finally, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Balanced Mechanic

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in the game. Of course, that still doesn't make it a realistic combat move — the very cause why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a dazzling imaginative experience being considered, thus why worry?

Like any proper evasion move, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the start, offering a lively impression rather than plopping the player onto the ground. According to your loadout, the move can feel super agile or somewhat sluggish, but it remains faster and more fluid than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. True, you may embed your oversized sword on the floor while equipped with it, but that's on you for failing to use alternative arms (In jest — don't play the game with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

Elden Ring's avoidance feature forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with not only success, but fulfillment.