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If you've played this acclaimed title, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're likely well-versed in the wonderful feature referred to as the “evasion roll.” This defensive move enables your hero to execute a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to dodge any enemy attacks and gain space from the bad guy. Sounds handy, right?

The dodge roll, though, has gotten a lot of flak, and not just because of the rolling; it's been labeled dumb, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I agree. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's dodge roll stands as the roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a clever approach to counter all sentiments that the move is not challenging enough: simply give every enemy unreasonable strength, triple that, and each player character who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG matches this sense of satisfaction and reliability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and guard stances get quickly shattered by tough opponents. Someone once recommended hopping as the main Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

Although the rolling dodge grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. Firstly, the game's dodge roll merely initiates a window of invulnerability after you release the evasion key, which hinders a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, while it might carry you off from enemies, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and land some hits. Lastly, you must still comprehend and predict foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… causing significant harm.

A Balanced Mechanic

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in this title. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a plausible combat move — exactly the reason it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — yet we're discussing a dazzling imaginative experience under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable rolling dodge, this title's rolling animation is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, offering a lively impression instead of placing the avatar onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear super agile or relatively slow, yet it's always swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. True, you will stick your oversized sword on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's on you for not just playing alternative arms (Just kidding — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

This title's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll gain more than triumph, but fulfillment.