Elden Ring's Rolling Dodge Warrants Praise
If you've played the popular action RPG, or most other third-person combat game, chances are you're familiar with the wonderful mechanic known as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move allows your character to execute a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to dodge any enemy attacks and create distance from foes. Seems useful, doesn't it?
The evasion roll, however, has gotten plenty of criticism, not simply due to the tumbling; it's been labeled foolish, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and occasionally, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's evasion move is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and here's the reason.
Regarding this title, the designers identified an excellent method to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: just grant all foes excessive power, increase it further, and all heroes who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.
No different defensive move in this RPG matches this sense of satisfaction and dependability, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by tough opponents. Someone once recommended hopping as the main Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking ideal movement, I didn't see how taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).
Perfecting the Skill
Although the dodge roll grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a period of immunity once you let go of the evasion key, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility before the blow lands… causing significant harm.
A Balanced Mechanic
While dodge-rolling in quick succession may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Naturally, that still doesn't make it a realistic fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title under discussion, thus why worry?
Like any proper evasion move, the game's evasion sequence is improved by a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel rather than dropping the character onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or somewhat sluggish, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. Admittedly, you could plant your big blade on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for avoiding ranged weapons (Just kidding — don't play Elden Ring with a crossbow).
Optimal Harmony
This title's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but gratification.
