The Game's Rolling Dodge Merits Praise
For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or just about any third-person combat game, chances are you're acquainted with the glorious feature called the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique enables your hero to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to avoid any enemy attacks and gain space from the bad guy. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?
The dodge roll, though, has received a lot of flak, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been labeled dumb, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I concur. Picture me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's rolling dodge represents the evasion to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and let me explain.
For this particular game, the designers identified a clever approach to respond to all views suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: merely bestow every enemy overwhelming force, triple that, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, me included. With so much on the line, evading successfully feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.
No other evasion method in Elden Ring approaches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are readily overcome by strong enemies. One player advised 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 could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).
Mastering the Technique
But even though the dodge roll grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. Firstly, Elden Ring's dodge roll merely initiates a period of immunity after you let go of the roll control, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Additionally, while it might carry you off from opponents, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to advance, preferably behind the opponent, and land some hits. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection ahead of the attack striking… resulting in severe damage.
A Harmonious System
While dodge-rolling in quick succession may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in this title. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a plausible fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be dreadful to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title being considered, so who cares?
Like any proper rolling dodge, the game's evasion sequence is spruced up with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation as opposed to placing the avatar downward. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, but it remains faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges featured in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you will stick your big blade into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for avoiding a crossbow (Just kidding — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).
Optimal Harmony
The game's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but gratification.
