Elden Ring's Rolling Dodge Merits Recognition
If you've played Elden Ring, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're probably acquainted with the fantastic technique called the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique allows your character to perform a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to evade all incoming damage and create distance from opponents. Seems useful, doesn't it?
The dodge roll, though, has received a lot of flak, and not just due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I concur. You should see me rolling around nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But the title's rolling dodge stands as the roll to surpass every other evasion moves, and let me explain.
In Elden Ring's case, the developers found an excellent method to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: merely bestow every enemy excessive power, increase it further, and every Tarnished who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, rather than a cheap trick.
No different defensive move in the game comes close to this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances are readily overcome by powerful foes. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).
Mastering the Technique
But even though the rolling dodge grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, the game's evasion move merely initiates a period of immunity following you release the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Furthermore, although it may transport you away from enemies, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. And, finally, it remains necessary to understand and anticipate enemy attacks, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.
A Well-Designed Feature
While dodge-rolling in fast repetition might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in the game. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a plausible combat move — the very cause why it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Similar to any respectable evasion move, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a little somersault-y hop at the start, giving it an energetic feel instead of placing the avatar downward. Depending on your gear, the move can feel extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges used in the previous titles. Admittedly, you could plant your big blade in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for failing to use a crossbow (I'm joking — steer clear of the game with a crossbow).
Optimal Harmony
This title's evasion system forms an optimal harmony 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 fulfillment.
