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Having spent time with Elden Ring, or nearly any third-person combat game, you're likely well-versed in the glorious feature known as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move enables your hero to perform a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to dodge any enemy attacks and gain space from opponents. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?

This rolling move, though, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been called dumb, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I concur. Picture me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But this game's dodge roll is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and let me explain.

For this particular game, the designers identified an excellent method to counter all sentiments that the move is too easy: simply give every enemy unreasonable strength, multiply it, and all heroes who dares come near them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, myself included. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.

No other evasion method in this RPG comes close to this sense of satisfaction and reliability, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and defensive postures get quickly shattered by powerful foes. A person once suggested leaping as the primary 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).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though the dodge roll provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity once you stop pressing the evasion key, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, although it may transport you away from enemies, it's much better to employ it as a chance to advance, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in the game. Certainly, that doesn't render it a believable combat move — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — but this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper rolling dodge, this title's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation instead of plopping the player downward. Depending on your gear, the move can feel extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the evasion moves used in the previous titles. Admittedly, you will stick your large weapon in the dirt when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for failing to use alternative arms (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

The game's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but gratification.