Elden Ring's Dodge Roll Warrants Recognition
For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're probably well-versed in the wonderful technique known as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move allows your character to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and create distance from foes. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?
The evasion roll, nevertheless, has gotten a lot of flak, not simply because of the rolling; some have dubbed it dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But the title's dodge roll is the dodge roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.
Regarding this title, the designers identified an excellent method to counter all sentiments that the move is not challenging enough: just grant every enemy overwhelming force, triple that, and all heroes who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.
No different defensive move in this RPG matches this level of gratification and reliability, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and defensive postures are readily overcome by strong enemies. One player advised hopping as the main game evasion method, but in addition to lacking ideal movement, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).
Learning the Move
While the dodge roll grants reprieve in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. First of all, this title's evasion move just activates a period of immunity after you release the dodge button, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from foes, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility before the blow lands… causing significant harm.
A Well-Designed Feature
Although evasion-rolling in quick succession might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in Elden Ring. Of course, that fails to transform it into a realistic combat move — the very cause why it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — but this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the start, offering a lively impression instead of plopping the player onto the ground. According to your loadout, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, but it remains faster and more fluid than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. True, you will stick your large weapon on the floor while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for not just playing ranged weapons (Just kidding — avoid using Elden Ring with projectile weapons).
Optimal Harmony
The game's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not only success, but satisfaction.
