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If you've played this acclaimed title, or just about any action-adventure title, you're likely familiar with the fantastic feature called the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to perform a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to evade incoming harm and move away from opponents. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

This rolling move, however, has gotten significant backlash, and not just due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it foolish, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I concur. Picture me somersaulting past hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — untouchable! But the title's evasion move represents the evasion to outdo all previous dodge rolls, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the developers found a clever approach to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: just grant every enemy excessive power, multiply it, and each player character who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, myself included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in the game matches this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and guard stances are easily broken by tough opponents. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary Elden Ring evasion method, but besides failing to offer ideal movement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, Elden Ring's rolling dodge just activates a period of immunity following you release the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Moreover, while it might transport you away from enemies, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to get closer, optimally at their back, and strike blows. And, finally, you must still comprehend and predict opponent moves, since evading too early of a long charging animation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in Elden Ring. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a flashy fantasy title under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper dodge roll, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to placing the avatar downward. Based on your equipment, the move can feel extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges featured in the previous titles. Certainly, you may embed your oversized sword into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's on you for not just playing alternative arms (I'm joking — avoid using Elden Ring with a crossbow).

The Perfect Balance

This title's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but fulfillment.