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If you've played this acclaimed title, or nearly any 3D action game, you're probably well-versed in the glorious technique known as the “dodge roll.” This defensive move enables your hero to perform a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to evade incoming harm and gain space from foes. Sounds handy, right?

The evasion roll, nevertheless, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not just because of the rolling; it's been called dumb, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I see the point. You should see me somersaulting past hostile mobs in another popular RPG — untouchable! But Elden Ring's dodge roll is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and let me explain.

For this particular game, the creators discovered an excellent method to respond to all views that the move is overly simple: just grant all foes overwhelming force, increase it further, and all heroes who ventures close them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring matches this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and guard stances are readily overcome by powerful foes. One player advised jumping as a go-to game avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

Although the rolling dodge offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. First of all, this title's rolling dodge merely initiates a frame of protection after you let go of the dodge button, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, although it may transport you away from foes, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. Lastly, you still need understand and anticipate foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't practically possible in Elden Ring. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible battle technique — the very cause why it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, thus why worry?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, offering a lively impression as opposed to dropping the character downward. Based on your equipment, the move can feel incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges found in the previous titles. Certainly, you may embed your big blade in the dirt while equipped with it, but that's your own fault for failing to use ranged weapons (In jest — avoid using the game with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

This title's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but fulfillment.