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If you've played the popular action RPG, or most other action-adventure title, you're likely well-versed in the glorious technique called the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move lets your avatar to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to evade any enemy attacks and gain space from opponents. Seems useful, right?

This rolling move, though, has attracted significant backlash, and not only because of the rolling; it's been called dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I see the point. Just imagine me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — can't touch this Geralt! But this game's dodge roll stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a clever approach to address all opinions claiming the maneuver is overly simple: merely bestow every enemy excessive power, increase it further, and each player character who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, me included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring comes close to this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and defensive postures are easily broken by strong enemies. One player advised hopping as the main Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

While the dodge roll grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's dodge roll only triggers a frame of protection once you release the dodge button, which stops a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Furthermore, although it may transport you away from enemies, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict enemy attacks, since evading too early of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Balanced Mechanic

Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in this title. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title being considered, so who cares?

Comparable to any well-executed evasion move, this title's evasion sequence is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to placing the avatar onto the ground. Depending on your gear, the move can feel super agile or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the evasion moves used in the earlier games. Admittedly, you will stick your big blade into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for failing to use ranged weapons (Just kidding — steer clear of Elden Ring using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not just victory, but satisfaction.