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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or nearly any third-person combat game, you're probably well-versed in the fantastic technique referred to as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique enables your hero to execute a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to avoid incoming harm and move away from the bad guy. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

The dodge roll, however, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been called foolish, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I see the point. Just imagine me rolling around local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But Elden Ring's rolling dodge represents the evasion to surpass every other evasion moves, and I'll tell you why.

In Elden Ring's case, the creators discovered a clever approach to counter all sentiments that the move is too easy: merely bestow every enemy unreasonable strength, multiply it, and each player character who approaches them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, rather than a cheap trick.

No other evasion method in this RPG approaches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by tough opponents. One player advised hopping as the main game evasion method, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

Although this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. To begin with, this title's evasion move only triggers a period of immunity after you release the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, although it may move you aside from opponents, it's significantly more useful to utilize it as a moment to advance, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. Lastly, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict enemy attacks, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection prior to the hit connecting… resulting in severe damage.

A Balanced Mechanic

Although evasion-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in this title. Of course, that fails to transform it into a realistic fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — however, this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, this title's rolling animation is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation rather than dropping the character on the floor. According to your loadout, the technique may seem incredibly quick or relatively slow, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls featured in the earlier games. Admittedly, you could plant your oversized sword in the dirt while equipped with it, but that's on you for avoiding a crossbow (I'm joking — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not just victory, but gratification.