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For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or nearly any 3D action game, chances are you're familiar with the glorious technique referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move enables your hero to perform a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and move away from foes. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, however, has attracted significant backlash, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled foolish, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I concur. You should see me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But the title's dodge roll is the dodge roll to surpass every other evasion moves, and here's the reason.

In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a clever approach to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is too easy: just grant all foes overwhelming force, multiply it, and each player character who ventures close them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and defensive postures are easily broken by strong enemies. One player advised hopping as the main game dodging technique, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though this evasion move grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. To begin with, Elden Ring's dodge roll merely initiates a frame of protection following you release the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, although it may carry you off from foes, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, preferably behind the opponent, and land some hits. In conclusion, you must still understand and anticipate foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in the game. Certainly, that doesn't render it a realistic fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, so who cares?

Similar to any respectable rolling dodge, Elden Ring's dodge motion is enhanced with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel instead of dropping the character downward. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls featured in Dark Souls. True, you could plant your oversized sword in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for failing to use ranged weapons (Just kidding — steer clear of the game with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

This title's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but satisfaction.