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If you've played Elden Ring, or nearly any third-person combat game, you're likely familiar with the fantastic mechanic known as the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to evade all incoming damage and gain space from foes. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, however, has gotten significant backlash, and not only because of the rolling; some have dubbed it dumb, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I agree. You should see me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in a well-known fantasy game — untouchable! But Elden Ring's evasion move is the dodge roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the creators discovered a great way to address all opinions suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow every enemy excessive power, triple that, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will be eternally grateful 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 alternative avoidance technique in the game matches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and blocking attempts are easily broken by powerful foes. Someone once recommended hopping as the main Elden Ring evasion method, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in could enhance my odds of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

While this evasion move grants reprieve in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge just activates a frame of protection following you stop pressing the roll control, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Additionally, while it might transport you away from enemies, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to move nearer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still understand and anticipate opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Balanced Mechanic

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in Elden Ring. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a believable combat move — which is precisely why it would be dreadful to see it in a game like a historical simulation — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title being considered, so who cares?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, Elden Ring's dodge motion is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel rather than dropping the character downward. According to your loadout, the technique may seem extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the evasion moves used in the previous titles. True, you could plant your big blade in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for not just playing ranged weapons (In jest — don't play the game using ranged options).

Optimal Harmony

This title's evasion system creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not only success, but gratification.