🔗 Share this article

For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or most other action-adventure title, you're likely acquainted with the wonderful technique referred to as the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to execute a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and move away from the bad guy. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has gotten significant backlash, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been called unintelligent, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I see the point. You should see me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But the title's rolling dodge stands as the roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a clever approach to address all opinions claiming the maneuver is too easy: simply give every enemy excessive power, multiply it, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, me included. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG matches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances are readily overcome by powerful foes. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though the rolling dodge provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. Firstly, Elden Ring's evasion move only triggers a window of invulnerability once you stop pressing the evasion key, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, although it may move you aside from opponents, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. Lastly, you still need understand and anticipate foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Harmonious System

Although evasion-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in the game. Of course, that still doesn't make it a realistic battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, thus why worry?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel instead of dropping the character onto the ground. According to your loadout, the move can feel extremely nimble or relatively slow, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves used in the earlier games. Admittedly, you will stick your big blade into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for not just playing alternative arms (I'm joking — don't play Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

This title's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll obtain not just victory, but fulfillment.