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If you've played this acclaimed title, or nearly any action-adventure title, chances are you're well-versed in the fantastic feature referred to as the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to perform a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to evade all incoming damage and create distance from foes. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, though, has received a lot of flak, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled dumb, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I agree. Picture me somersaulting past hostile mobs in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's dodge roll stands as the roll to surpass every other rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the creators discovered an excellent method to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is too easy: just grant every enemy overwhelming force, multiply it, and all heroes who approaches them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring comes close to this level of gratification and dependability, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by powerful foes. Someone once recommended hopping as the main Elden Ring dodging technique, but in addition to lacking ideal movement, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

But even though the rolling dodge grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. To begin with, the game's evasion move merely initiates a period of immunity once you let go of the evasion key, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, while it might carry you off from enemies, it's significantly more useful to utilize it as a moment to advance, optimally at their back, and land some hits. Lastly, you still need grasp and foresee foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in Elden Ring. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a plausible combat move — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title under discussion, so who cares?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, the game's dodge motion is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation rather than plopping the player onto the ground. According to your loadout, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. True, you may embed your oversized sword in the dirt when wielding such equipment, but that's on you for failing to use alternative arms (In jest — avoid using the game using ranged options).

Optimal Harmony

The game's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not only success, but gratification.