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If you've played Elden Ring, or nearly any third-person combat game, chances are you're acquainted with the fantastic technique referred to as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique allows your character to execute a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to avoid any enemy attacks and gain space from foes. Sounds handy, right?

The evasion roll, though, has attracted a lot of flak, not simply as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I concur. You should see me rolling around local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's dodge roll represents the evasion to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

Regarding this title, the developers found a great way to address all opinions claiming the maneuver is overly simple: just grant each opponent unreasonable strength, triple that, and each player character who approaches them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, myself included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in this RPG comes close to this sense of satisfaction and dependability, as quick dashes offer limited distance and blocking attempts are readily overcome by tough opponents. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow might boost my prospects of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

While the rolling dodge provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. To begin with, this title's rolling dodge merely initiates a frame of protection after you let go of the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Furthermore, even though it can move you aside from opponents, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to advance, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. And, finally, it remains necessary to grasp and foresee opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Well-Designed Feature

While dodge-rolling in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in this title. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a realistic battle technique — which is precisely why it would be dreadful to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a dazzling imaginative experience under discussion, so who cares?

Like any proper rolling dodge, Elden Ring's dodge motion is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation instead of dropping the character onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the evasion moves found in the earlier games. Admittedly, you will stick your large weapon into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for avoiding a crossbow (I'm joking — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Ideal Equilibrium

Elden Ring's dodging mechanic establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the smallest error. Master this technique, and you'll gain not just victory, but gratification.