🔗 Share this article

For those who have experienced the popular action RPG, or most other 3D action game, you're likely familiar with the wonderful mechanic called the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to avoid incoming harm and move away from the bad guy. Appears practical, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, though, has attracted significant backlash, not simply because of the rolling; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I agree. You should see me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in a well-known fantasy game — untouchable! But this game's dodge roll stands as the roll to surpass every other evasion moves, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the developers found a great way to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is not challenging enough: just grant each opponent unreasonable strength, multiply it, and all heroes who ventures close them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, I'm no exception. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in the game matches this level of gratification and reliability, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are easily broken by strong enemies. Someone once recommended hopping as the main game avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

While the dodge roll offers respite in a famously difficult title, it requires practice. To begin with, the game's rolling dodge merely initiates a frame of protection after you release the dodge button, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dire situations. Furthermore, although it may transport you away from foes, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to advance, optimally at their back, and strike blows. In conclusion, you must still understand and anticipate opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't practically possible in Elden Ring. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a plausible fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to see it in a game like a historical simulation — but this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable evasion move, the game's rolling animation is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the start, giving it an energetic feel instead of dropping the character on the floor. According to your loadout, the technique may seem extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges used in Dark Souls. True, you will stick your big blade on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (In jest — avoid using Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Ideal Equilibrium

Elden Ring's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with not only success, but satisfaction.