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If you've played this acclaimed title, or nearly any 3D action game, you're likely well-versed in the wonderful feature called the “evasion roll.” This defensive move enables your hero to perform a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to dodge any enemy attacks and move away from opponents. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, nevertheless, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not just due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it foolish, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I see the point. You should see me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's dodge roll represents the evasion to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a great way to address all opinions suggesting the technique is overly simple: merely bestow every enemy overwhelming force, multiply it, and every Tarnished who approaches them will appreciate deeply because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, rather than a cheap trick.

No different defensive move in the game comes close to this level of gratification and dependability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and defensive postures get quickly shattered by tough opponents. One player advised jumping as a go-to game avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

While this evasion move offers respite in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. To begin with, the game's evasion move merely initiates a frame of protection after you release the dodge button, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, although it may carry you off from enemies, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee opponent moves, since evading too early of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in quick succession may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Of course, that doesn't render it a realistic combat move — the very cause why it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a spectacular magical game being considered, thus why worry?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, the game's rolling animation is spruced up with a small acrobatic jump at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation rather than dropping the character downward. According to your loadout, the move can feel extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges used in the earlier games. Certainly, you will stick your oversized sword into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for failing to use alternative arms (Just kidding — steer clear of Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

This title's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but gratification.