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For those who have experienced the popular action RPG, or just about any action-adventure title, you're probably familiar with the fantastic mechanic called the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to execute a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to dodge incoming harm and create distance from opponents. Seems useful, right?

The dodge roll, however, has gotten plenty of criticism, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been labeled unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I concur. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's dodge roll is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the creators discovered a clever approach to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is not challenging enough: merely bestow each opponent overwhelming force, triple that, and every Tarnished who approaches them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No different defensive move in Elden Ring approaches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are easily broken by powerful foes. A person once suggested hopping as the main game avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

But even though the dodge roll offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a period of immunity following you release the roll control, which stops a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, although it may transport you away from foes, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to advance, preferably behind the opponent, and land some hits. Lastly, you still need understand and anticipate foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Certainly, that doesn't render it a plausible combat move — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — however, this is a spectacular magical game being considered, so who cares?

Like any proper dodge roll, the game's rolling animation is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the start, giving it an energetic feel instead of dropping the character on the floor. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or relatively slow, but it remains quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. Certainly, you will stick your oversized sword on the floor while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for failing to use alternative arms (In jest — don't play the game with a crossbow).

Optimal Harmony

The game's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but gratification.