🔗 Share this article

If you've played the popular action RPG, or nearly any action-adventure title, chances are you're familiar with the fantastic feature referred to as the “evasion roll.” This defensive move enables your hero to execute a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to dodge any enemy attacks and create distance from foes. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?

This rolling move, however, has gotten a lot of flak, not simply as a result of the somersault; it's been called dumb, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I agree. Picture me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But the title's dodge roll is the dodge roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the creators discovered a clever approach to respond to all views that the move is overly simple: just grant each opponent unreasonable strength, multiply it, and each player character who approaches them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, I'm no exception. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring matches this sense of satisfaction and dependability, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and guard stances are readily overcome by powerful foes. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to game avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer ideal movement, I didn't see how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

But even though this evasion move grants reprieve in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. Firstly, the game's dodge roll only triggers a window of invulnerability following you let go of the dodge button, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Additionally, while it might transport you away from foes, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to advance, optimally at their back, and strike blows. And, finally, it remains necessary to understand and anticipate foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.

A Balanced Mechanic

Although evasion-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible battle technique — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable rolling dodge, the game's rolling animation is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the start, providing a dynamic sensation as opposed to dropping the character on the floor. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem extremely nimble or relatively slow, yet it's always swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves found in the earlier games. Admittedly, you may embed your large weapon on the floor while equipped with it, but that's on you for avoiding alternative arms (In jest — avoid using the game using ranged options).

The Perfect Balance

The game's dodging mechanic establishes an ideal equilibrium between obstacle and possibility, providing prospects of success while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not only success, but satisfaction.