The Game's Rolling Dodge Merits Praise
Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or just about any third-person combat game, you're probably well-versed in the fantastic feature known as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move enables your hero to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade incoming harm and move away from the bad guy. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?
The dodge roll, though, has received plenty of criticism, and not only as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I agree. You should see me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — can't touch this Geralt! But this game's evasion move stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and here's the reason.
Regarding this title, the developers found a great way to address all opinions that the move is not challenging enough: merely bestow all foes excessive power, increase it further, and each player character who ventures close them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, me included. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.
No other evasion method in Elden Ring approaches this level of gratification and consistency, because swift moves don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are easily broken by strong enemies. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me getting my skull smashed in could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).
Perfecting the Skill
But even though this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. To begin with, the game's dodge roll just activates a window of invulnerability after you let go of the dodge button, which hinders a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Moreover, although it may transport you away from opponents, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to get closer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.
A Harmonious System
Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in this title. Of course, that still doesn't make it a plausible fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be dreadful to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, thus why worry?
Like any proper dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the start, providing a dynamic sensation rather than placing the avatar on the floor. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem super agile or moderately cumbersome, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges featured in the earlier games. Certainly, you could plant your oversized sword on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for failing to use ranged weapons (I'm joking — avoid using Elden Ring using ranged options).
Optimal Harmony
Elden Ring's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not only success, but fulfillment.
