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For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or nearly any 3D action game, you're likely acquainted with the wonderful feature called the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to execute a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to dodge incoming harm and gain space from the bad guy. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, nevertheless, has received a lot of flak, and not only because of the rolling; some have dubbed it dumb, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I concur. Picture me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But the title's dodge roll is the dodge roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified a great way to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is not challenging enough: just grant every enemy excessive power, multiply it, and each player character who ventures close them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, me included. With so much on the line, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.

No alternative avoidance technique in the game approaches this level of gratification and reliability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and guard stances are easily broken by strong enemies. One player advised jumping as a go-to Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

But even though the dodge roll grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. To begin with, the game's rolling dodge only triggers a window of invulnerability once you let go of the roll control, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, although it may carry you off from opponents, it's significantly more useful to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, optimally at their back, and land some hits. And, finally, it remains necessary to understand and anticipate enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in this title. Naturally, that doesn't render it a plausible combat move — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, so who cares?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the start, offering a lively impression rather than dropping the character downward. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or relatively slow, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls used in the earlier games. Admittedly, you could plant your large weapon in the dirt while equipped with it, but that's on you for not just playing ranged weapons (I'm joking — steer clear of the game using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

This title's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but gratification.