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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or just about any third-person combat game, chances are you're acquainted with the wonderful mechanic known as the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to evade incoming harm and create distance from opponents. Seems useful, right?

The dodge roll, though, has attracted a lot of flak, and not just because of the rolling; it's been labeled unintelligent, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I agree. You should see me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — can't touch this Geralt! But this game's evasion move stands as the roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.

Regarding this title, the developers found an excellent method to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is not challenging enough: simply give all foes unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who dares come near them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in this RPG approaches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, because swift moves provide minimal movement and guard stances get quickly shattered by strong enemies. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to Elden Ring dodging technique, but aside from not providing ideal movement, I couldn't understand how getting my skull smashed in might boost my prospects of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

But even though the rolling dodge provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. To begin with, Elden Ring's evasion move only triggers a window of invulnerability after you let go of the evasion key, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, although it may carry you off from foes, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, preferably behind the opponent, and land some hits. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee foe assaults, since evading too early of a long charging animation may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… which will seriously hurt.

A Well-Designed Feature

While dodge-rolling in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in this title. Of course, that still doesn't make it a believable fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to see it in a game like a historical simulation — but this is a dazzling imaginative experience being considered, so who cares?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is spruced up with a small acrobatic jump at the start, giving it an energetic feel rather than plopping the player onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the move can feel incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls featured in the previous titles. Admittedly, you could plant your oversized sword in the dirt while equipped with it, but that's on you for not just playing alternative arms (In jest — don't play Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not just victory, but gratification.