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Having spent time with this acclaimed title, or nearly any third-person combat game, you're probably well-versed in the wonderful mechanic referred to as the “dodge roll.” This evasion technique allows your character to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to avoid any enemy attacks and create distance from opponents. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?

The dodge roll, however, has attracted a lot of flak, and not only as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in a well-known fantasy game — untouchable! But the title's evasion move is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the designers identified an excellent method to address all opinions that the move is not challenging enough: just grant all foes overwhelming force, multiply it, and all heroes who dares come near them will appreciate deeply because of their evasion move, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring comes close to this sense of satisfaction and reliability, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and guard stances are readily overcome by tough opponents. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

Although the rolling dodge offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. To begin with, Elden Ring's rolling dodge only triggers a frame of protection once you release the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Furthermore, although it may transport you away from opponents, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. And, finally, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of an extended wind-up might terminate your protection before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Balanced Mechanic

Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in this title. Naturally, that still doesn't make it a believable battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to see it in a game like a historical simulation — however, this is a flashy fantasy title under discussion, so who cares?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, Elden Ring's rolling animation is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the start, giving it an energetic feel rather than dropping the character on the floor. According to your loadout, the move can feel incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the evasion moves featured in the previous titles. Admittedly, you could plant your large weapon on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for not just playing ranged weapons (I'm joking — don't play Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

This title's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll obtain not just victory, but gratification.