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Having spent time with Elden Ring, or just about any third-person combat game, you're probably acquainted with the wonderful mechanic known as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique enables your hero to perform a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to dodge any enemy attacks and create distance from opponents. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, however, has received a lot of flak, and not only because of the rolling; it's been called unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I concur. Picture me rolling around local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's evasion move stands as the roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a clever approach to respond to all views that the move is too easy: simply give every enemy excessive power, multiply it, and each player character who ventures close them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring comes close to this sense of satisfaction and reliability, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are readily overcome by powerful foes. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to game evasion method, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

Although this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. To begin with, Elden Ring's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity following you let go of the dodge button, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, even though it can move you aside from foes, it's much better to employ it as a chance to get closer, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. Lastly, it remains necessary to understand and anticipate opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible battle technique — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, this title's rolling animation is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, offering a lively impression rather than placing the avatar on the floor. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear super agile or somewhat sluggish, but it remains quicker and smoother than the evasion moves used in the earlier games. Certainly, you could plant your large weapon 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 dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, providing prospects of success while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll gain more than triumph, but gratification.