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Having spent time with Elden Ring, or most other 3D action game, chances are you're acquainted with the glorious technique called the “dodge roll.” This evasion technique allows your character to perform a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to evade any enemy attacks and create distance from the bad guy. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, though, has gotten significant backlash, not simply due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I agree. You should see me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — they can't hit me! But the title's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and let me explain.

For this particular game, the developers found a clever approach to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is too easy: merely bestow every enemy unreasonable strength, triple that, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG matches this sense of satisfaction and reliability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and guard stances are readily overcome by tough opponents. One player advised leaping as the primary game avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

Although this evasion move offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. First of all, Elden Ring's rolling dodge just activates a period of immunity following you stop pressing the evasion key, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Moreover, even though it can transport you away from enemies, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to get closer, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee enemy attacks, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Although evasion-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in Elden Ring. Naturally, that still doesn't make it a realistic battle technique — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper rolling dodge, Elden Ring's rolling animation is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the start, providing a dynamic sensation instead of plopping the player downward. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges found in the previous titles. True, you could plant your oversized sword into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (I'm joking — avoid using Elden Ring using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

This title's avoidance feature creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but satisfaction.