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For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or most other action-adventure title, you're probably well-versed in the glorious technique referred to as the “evasion roll.” This defensive move allows your character to perform a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to avoid any enemy attacks and move away from the bad guy. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

This rolling move, though, has received plenty of criticism, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been called unintelligent, a easy way out, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me rolling around nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — untouchable! But the title's rolling dodge stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

In Elden Ring's case, the creators discovered a great way to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is too easy: just grant all foes overwhelming force, triple that, and each player character who ventures close them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. With so much on the line, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG approaches this sense of satisfaction and dependability, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and blocking attempts 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 didn't see how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though the rolling dodge provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. Firstly, the game's rolling dodge only triggers a frame of protection following you let go of the roll control, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from foes, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in the game. Of course, that doesn't render it a realistic battle technique — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a dazzling imaginative experience we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper evasion move, the game's rolling animation is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to placing the avatar on the floor. Depending on your gear, the move can feel incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges used in Dark Souls. Certainly, you will stick your large weapon on the floor while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (I'm joking — avoid using the game with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll obtain not just victory, but gratification.