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If you've played the popular action RPG, or just about any action-adventure title, you're probably familiar with the glorious mechanic known as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move lets your avatar to execute a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to avoid any enemy attacks and gain space from the bad guy. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

This rolling move, nevertheless, has attracted significant backlash, and not only because of the rolling; it's been called foolish, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and occasionally, I agree. Picture me tumbling about hostile mobs in another popular RPG — they can't hit me! But this game's rolling dodge stands as the roll to surpass every other rolling dodges, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified a clever approach to respond to all views that the move is not challenging enough: merely bestow each opponent excessive power, triple that, and each player character who approaches them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG matches this sense of satisfaction and reliability, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and guard stances are easily broken by powerful foes. Someone once recommended hopping as the main game avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I didn't see how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

Although the dodge roll offers respite in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. Firstly, this title's dodge roll just activates a frame of protection once you let go of the evasion key, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Additionally, even though it can move you aside from foes, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you still need understand and anticipate foe assaults, since evading too early of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't practically possible in the game. Of course, that still doesn't make it a plausible fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be dreadful to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a dazzling imaginative experience we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, the game's dodge motion is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel rather than dropping the character downward. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear super agile or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls used in Dark Souls. Certainly, you will stick your large weapon on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for not just playing alternative arms (I'm joking — steer clear of the game with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Master this technique, and you'll obtain not just victory, but gratification.