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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or nearly any third-person combat game, chances are you're well-versed in the glorious mechanic known as the “dodge roll.” This defensive move enables your hero to perform a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and gain space from opponents. Seems useful, right?

The evasion roll, however, has gotten a lot of flak, and not just because of the rolling; some have dubbed it foolish, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me rolling around local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But the title's rolling dodge stands as the roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the developers found a great way to address all opinions that the move is too easy: merely bestow every enemy unreasonable strength, increase it further, and every Tarnished who approaches them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, me included. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in this RPG comes close to this sense of satisfaction and reliability, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and defensive postures are easily broken by powerful foes. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to game dodging technique, but aside from not providing optimal placement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

But even though the dodge roll provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. First of all, Elden Ring's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity after you let go of the roll control, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to get closer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you must still comprehend and predict foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in the game. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a believable combat move — the very cause why it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a dazzling imaginative experience under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, this title's dodge motion is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the start, giving it an energetic feel rather than placing the avatar downward. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls featured in the earlier games. True, you may embed your oversized sword into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for avoiding alternative arms (I'm joking — avoid using Elden Ring using ranged options).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's avoidance feature creates the perfect balance between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but satisfaction.