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For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or just about any action-adventure title, you're likely well-versed in the fantastic mechanic referred to as the “evasion roll.” This defensive move allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and move away from foes. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

This rolling move, however, has gotten a lot of flak, not simply because of the rolling; it's been called unintelligent, a easy way out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I see the point. Just imagine me tumbling about hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But the title's rolling dodge represents the evasion to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified an excellent method to address all opinions that the move is not challenging enough: merely bestow every enemy unreasonable strength, triple that, and each player character who ventures close them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, me included. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring comes close to this level of gratification and reliability, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances are readily overcome by tough opponents. A person once suggested hopping as the main Elden Ring evasion method, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I couldn't understand how getting my skull smashed in might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

But even though this evasion move grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. Firstly, Elden Ring's evasion move just activates a period of immunity after you let go of the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Additionally, while it might move you aside from foes, it's much better to employ it as a chance to move nearer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. In conclusion, you must still understand and anticipate opponent moves, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Well-Designed Feature

Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in the game. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a realistic combat move — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed evasion move, the game's evasion sequence is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel instead of dropping the character downward. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem super agile or relatively slow, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls featured in the earlier games. True, you will stick your oversized sword into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's on you for not just playing ranged weapons (In jest — avoid using Elden Ring using ranged options).

The Perfect Balance

The game's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but satisfaction.