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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or most other 3D action game, you're likely acquainted with the fantastic mechanic referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique allows your character to perform a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and create distance from the bad guy. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, though, has gotten significant backlash, not simply because of the rolling; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I concur. Picture me rolling around nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — untouchable! But Elden Ring's rolling dodge stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the creators discovered an excellent method to counter all sentiments that the move is too easy: just grant every enemy unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who approaches them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully feels like an achievement, rather than a cheap trick.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and blocking attempts are readily overcome by tough opponents. One player advised hopping as the main Elden Ring dodging technique, but aside from not providing ideal movement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

Although the rolling dodge grants reprieve in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. First of all, the game's evasion move merely initiates a window of invulnerability after you stop pressing the roll control, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from opponents, it's much better to employ it as a chance to advance, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you still need grasp and foresee opponent moves, since evading too early of an extended wind-up might terminate your protection before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Well-Designed Feature

While dodge-rolling in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Naturally, that doesn't render it a realistic combat move — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to see it in a game like a historical simulation — however, this is a dazzling imaginative experience we're talking about, thus why worry?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, Elden Ring's rolling animation is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the start, offering a lively impression instead of plopping the player onto the ground. According to your loadout, the move can feel super agile or relatively slow, but it remains quicker and smoother than the evasion moves found in Dark Souls. Certainly, you will stick your oversized sword in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for failing to use ranged weapons (Just kidding — steer clear of Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

This title's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but fulfillment.