The Game's Dodge Roll Merits Recognition

Having spent time with this acclaimed title, or most other 3D action game, you're probably well-versed in the fantastic mechanic referred to as the “dodge roll.” This defensive move lets your avatar to execute a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade incoming harm and gain space from opponents. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?

This rolling move, however, has received plenty of criticism, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been labeled foolish, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's dodge roll stands as the roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

For this particular game, the creators discovered an excellent method to address all opinions suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: merely bestow each opponent unreasonable strength, increase it further, and all heroes who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No different defensive move in this RPG matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, because swift moves provide minimal movement and defensive postures are easily broken by strong enemies. A person once suggested hopping as the main game avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of beating enemies (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

While this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. First of all, this title's rolling dodge just activates a frame of protection after you let go of the dodge button, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, even though it can transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to advance, optimally at their back, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection prior to the hit connecting… resulting in severe damage.

A Harmonious System

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in the game. Naturally, that doesn't render it a plausible fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper evasion move, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, providing a dynamic sensation as opposed to dropping the character on the floor. According to your loadout, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls found in Dark Souls. True, you may embed your big blade in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for avoiding a crossbow (I'm joking — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but gratification.

Stuart Flores
Stuart Flores

A passionate textile artist and historian with over 15 years of experience in preserving and creating timeless tapestry art.