The Game's Evasion Move Deserves Recognition
If you've played this acclaimed title, or most other 3D action game, chances are you're familiar with the fantastic feature known as the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique enables your hero to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade incoming harm and move away from foes. Sounds handy, doesn't it?
The dodge roll, though, has attracted significant backlash, and not only because of the rolling; it's been labeled foolish, a easy way out, and an implausible action — and occasionally, I agree. You should see me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in a well-known fantasy game — untouchable! But this game's rolling dodge represents the evasion to surpass every other dodge rolls, and let me explain.
For this particular game, the developers found a clever approach to address all opinions suggesting the technique is overly simple: merely bestow each opponent unreasonable strength, multiply it, and all heroes who approaches them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, me included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.
No alternative avoidance technique in the game approaches this sense of satisfaction and dependability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by powerful foes. Someone once recommended hopping as the main game dodging technique, but aside from not providing ideal movement, I couldn't understand how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).
Learning the Move
While the rolling dodge grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. To begin with, this title's rolling dodge just activates a window of invulnerability once you stop pressing the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, even though it can transport you away from enemies, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, optimally at their back, and strike blows. And, finally, you still need comprehend and predict opponent moves, since evading too early of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.
A Balanced Mechanic
While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in the game. Of course, that still doesn't make it a plausible combat move — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, thus why worry?
Like any proper rolling dodge, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the start, providing a dynamic sensation instead of plopping the player on the floor. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, but it remains quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges found in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you could plant your big blade into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for avoiding a crossbow (In jest — avoid using Elden Ring with a crossbow).
The Perfect Balance
Elden Ring's dodging mechanic establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but satisfaction.
