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Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or nearly any third-person combat game, you're likely acquainted with the glorious technique called the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to execute a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to dodge any enemy attacks and gain space from foes. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, however, has gotten a lot of flak, and not only due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I see the point. You should see me rolling around local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — untouchable! But Elden Ring's dodge roll represents the evasion to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the developers found an excellent method to respond to all views suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: just grant all foes overwhelming force, multiply it, and all heroes who dares come near them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, me included. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in Elden Ring matches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances get quickly shattered by tough opponents. A person once suggested leaping as the primary Elden Ring evasion method, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

But even though this evasion move offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a frame of protection once you release the dodge button, which hinders a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Moreover, although it may transport you away from opponents, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to get closer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you must still comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

While dodge-rolling in quick succession might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in the game. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a realistic combat move — the very cause why it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is spruced up with a small acrobatic jump at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel instead of placing the avatar onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the move can feel extremely nimble or relatively slow, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges featured in the earlier games. True, you will stick your big blade in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's on you for avoiding alternative arms (I'm joking — avoid using the game with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

Elden Ring's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll gain not just victory, but fulfillment.