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If you've played the popular action RPG, or most other third-person combat game, you're probably familiar with the wonderful mechanic known as the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade any enemy attacks and move away from the bad guy. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, however, has received significant backlash, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I see the point. Picture me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's rolling dodge represents the evasion to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified an excellent method to respond to all views that the move is overly simple: just grant each opponent overwhelming force, triple that, and every Tarnished who approaches them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring approaches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and guard stances are readily overcome by powerful foes. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to Elden Ring dodging technique, but aside from not providing ideal movement, It wasn't clear to me getting my skull smashed in might boost my prospects of beating enemies (inexperience, possibly).

Perfecting the Skill

While the dodge roll grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. To begin with, the game's rolling dodge merely initiates a period of immunity after you let go of the roll control, which hinders a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, although it may move you aside from opponents, it's much better to employ it as a chance to get closer, optimally at their back, and strike blows. Lastly, it remains necessary to understand and anticipate foe assaults, since evading too early of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Although evasion-rolling in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in Elden Ring. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a believable battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a spectacular magical game being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper evasion move, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a little somersault-y hop at the start, offering a lively impression as opposed to placing the avatar downward. Based on your equipment, the move can feel extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. Admittedly, you will stick your large weapon into the ground while equipped with it, but that's your own fault for not just playing alternative arms (In jest — avoid using Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

Elden Ring's dodging mechanic establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll obtain not only success, but satisfaction.