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Having spent time with Elden Ring, or most other 3D action game, chances are you're well-versed in the glorious feature called the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move enables your hero to execute a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to avoid all incoming damage and gain space from the bad guy. Appears practical, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, though, has gotten significant backlash, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been called unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I concur. Picture me tumbling about nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But Elden Ring's evasion move stands as the roll to surpass every other rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

For this particular game, the developers found an excellent method to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is too easy: merely bestow all foes unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who approaches them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, rather than a cheap trick.

No different defensive move in the game comes close to this sense of satisfaction and dependability, because swift moves offer limited distance and defensive postures are easily broken by powerful foes. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary Elden Ring dodging technique, but aside from not providing optimal placement, I couldn't understand how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of beating enemies (inexperience, possibly).

Perfecting the Skill

Although this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's dodge roll just activates a period of immunity once you stop pressing the roll control, which stops a hasty, frantic retreat from dire situations. Furthermore, while it might transport you away from enemies, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee foe assaults, since evading too early of an extended wind-up might terminate your protection before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in this title. Of course, that doesn't render it a plausible battle technique — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the start, offering a lively impression rather than dropping the character downward. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges featured in the previous titles. True, you may embed your big blade into the ground while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (I'm joking — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

The game's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but fulfillment.