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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or just about any action-adventure title, chances are you're familiar with the glorious mechanic called the “evasion roll.” This defensive move allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade all incoming damage and move away from the bad guy. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, though, has gotten plenty of criticism, not simply because of the rolling; it's been labeled unintelligent, a easy way out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I see the point. Picture me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's dodge roll is the dodge roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified an excellent method to address all opinions suggesting the technique is too easy: just grant each opponent overwhelming force, triple that, and every Tarnished who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No alternative avoidance technique in the game approaches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, since rapid sprints provide minimal movement and defensive postures are readily overcome by strong enemies. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

But even though the dodge roll offers respite in a famously difficult title, it requires practice. To begin with, this title's dodge roll just activates a period of immunity once you stop pressing the evasion key, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Additionally, while it might move you aside from foes, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to advance, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still comprehend and predict opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Of course, that fails to transform it into a believable fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be pure horror to see it in a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper dodge roll, this title's dodge motion is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the start, offering a lively impression as opposed to plopping the player downward. Based on your equipment, the move can feel incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls found in Dark Souls. True, you may embed your large weapon in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for failing to use a crossbow (Just kidding — avoid using the game with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but gratification.