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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or just about any third-person combat game, you're likely well-versed in the glorious feature called the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade incoming harm and create distance from opponents. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, however, has gotten plenty of criticism, and not only because of the rolling; some have dubbed it foolish, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I see the point. You should see me tumbling about nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — untouchable! But this game's dodge roll represents the evasion to outdo all previous dodge rolls, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a great way to address all opinions that the move is overly simple: just grant every enemy unreasonable strength, multiply it, and each player character who approaches them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, me included. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No different defensive move in this RPG approaches this sense of satisfaction and dependability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and defensive postures get quickly shattered by tough opponents. Someone once recommended hopping as the main game evasion method, but aside from not providing optimal placement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit might boost my prospects of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

But even though the dodge roll provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. To begin with, this title's evasion move only triggers a frame of protection after you stop pressing the evasion key, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Moreover, even though it can move you aside from enemies, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. And, finally, it remains necessary to grasp and foresee opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Naturally, that still doesn't make it a realistic fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be terrifying to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a spectacular magical game being considered, thus why worry?

Comparable to any well-executed evasion move, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, providing a dynamic sensation instead of dropping the character downward. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem super agile or relatively slow, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls featured in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you will stick your big blade on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for avoiding alternative arms (Just kidding — steer clear of the game using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll obtain not only success, but gratification.