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Having spent time with this acclaimed title, or most other third-person combat game, you're probably familiar with the fantastic mechanic referred to as the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver allows your character to execute a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to dodge any enemy attacks and create distance from the bad guy. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, nevertheless, has attracted a lot of flak, not simply as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled dumb, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and occasionally, I agree. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's dodge roll stands as the 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 not challenging enough: merely bestow each opponent unreasonable strength, triple that, and each player character who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.

No alternative avoidance technique in the game comes close to this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and guard stances are readily overcome by powerful foes. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking ideal movement, I couldn't understand how getting my skull smashed in might boost my prospects of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

Although this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. To begin with, Elden Ring's dodge roll just activates a period of immunity following you let go of the roll control, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, even though it can carry you off from enemies, it's much better to employ it as a chance to move nearer, optimally at their back, and land some hits. And, finally, you must still grasp and foresee foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Certainly, that doesn't render it a believable combat move — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed evasion move, this title's rolling animation is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, offering a lively impression as opposed to plopping the player downward. According to your loadout, the maneuver might appear super agile or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. Admittedly, you could plant your big blade in the dirt when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for failing to use ranged weapons (Just kidding — avoid using Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but gratification.