🔗 Share this article

Having spent time with Elden Ring, or just about any 3D action game, chances are you're acquainted with the glorious technique called the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to execute a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade incoming harm and gain space from foes. Seems useful, right?

This rolling move, nevertheless, has gotten significant backlash, and not just as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it dumb, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I concur. Just imagine me tumbling about hostile mobs in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's evasion move represents the evasion to surpass every other evasion moves, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the developers found an excellent method to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is not challenging enough: simply give each opponent overwhelming force, triple that, and each player character who dares come near them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully feels like an achievement, rather than a cheap trick.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG comes close to this sense of satisfaction and dependability, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and blocking attempts are readily overcome by tough opponents. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to game avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I didn't see how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

But even though this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. To begin with, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a frame of protection once you stop pressing the dodge button, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, although it may carry you off from enemies, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, 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 rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in Elden Ring. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible combat move — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, the game's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation as opposed to dropping the character on the floor. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem super agile or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges featured in Dark Souls. Certainly, you could plant your big blade on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for not just playing a crossbow (I'm joking — avoid using Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but gratification.