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If you've played this acclaimed title, or just about any action-adventure title, chances are you're well-versed in the wonderful feature referred to as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to perform a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to evade all incoming damage and gain space from foes. Appears practical, right?

The dodge roll, though, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not only as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I concur. You should see me tumbling about nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But the title's evasion move stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.

Regarding this title, the developers found a clever approach to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is not challenging enough: just grant every enemy excessive power, triple that, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG comes close to this level of gratification and dependability, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and guard stances are readily overcome by strong enemies. One player advised hopping as the main Elden Ring dodging technique, but in addition to lacking ideal movement, I couldn't understand how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).

Mastering the Technique

Although this evasion move grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. First of all, Elden Ring's dodge roll just activates a period of immunity once you let go of the roll control, which hinders a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Additionally, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you still need grasp and foresee foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

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. Of course, that doesn't render it a realistic combat move — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, so who cares?

Like any proper dodge roll, Elden Ring's dodge motion is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, providing a dynamic sensation rather than dropping the character downward. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or relatively slow, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges featured in the earlier games. Certainly, you could plant 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 — don't play the game with a crossbow).

Optimal Harmony

The game's avoidance feature forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but satisfaction.