The Game's Evasion Move Deserves Recognition

For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or just about any 3D action game, you're likely familiar with the fantastic feature called the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to dodge incoming harm and create distance from the bad guy. Appears practical, doesn't it?

This rolling move, though, has attracted a lot of flak, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been labeled foolish, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I see the point. Picture me rolling around hostile mobs in another popular RPG — they can't hit me! But the title's rolling dodge represents the evasion to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the creators discovered a clever approach to respond to all views suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow every enemy overwhelming force, multiply it, and all heroes who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in the game approaches this sense of satisfaction and reliability, since rapid sprints provide minimal movement and defensive postures are easily broken by powerful foes. One player advised jumping as a go-to Elden Ring dodging technique, but aside from not providing ideal movement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

While this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's dodge roll just activates a frame of protection after you release the roll control, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Moreover, even though it can move you aside from foes, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to get closer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you still need comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in Elden Ring. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a plausible battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, so who cares?

Like any proper dodge roll, this title's dodge motion is enhanced with a brief tumbling leap at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel instead of placing the avatar downward. Based on your equipment, the move can feel incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you will stick your big blade on the floor while equipped with it, but that's on you for failing to use ranged weapons (In jest — don't play Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Optimal Harmony

This title's evasion system creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while threatening to take that hope away at the smallest error. Master this technique, and you'll gain more than triumph, but satisfaction.

Jerry Parker
Jerry Parker

A workspace design consultant and productivity coach with over a decade of experience optimizing home and corporate environments.