Elden Ring's Dodge Roll Deserves Praise
If you've played this acclaimed title, or just about any action-adventure title, you're likely well-versed in the wonderful feature called the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to execute a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to dodge all incoming damage and create distance from the bad guy. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?
This rolling move, however, has gotten a lot of flak, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been called dumb, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I agree. You should see me tumbling about nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But this game's rolling dodge stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.
In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified a clever approach to respond to all views suggesting the technique is overly simple: simply give every enemy excessive power, increase it further, and every Tarnished who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, myself 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 comes close to this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, as quick dashes offer limited distance and blocking attempts are readily overcome by strong enemies. One player advised jumping as a go-to game avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of beating enemies (inexperience, possibly).
Learning the Move
But even though the rolling dodge grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. First of all, the game's dodge roll just activates a period of immunity once you release the dodge button, which stops a quick, panicky escape from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, although it may carry you off from opponents, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, optimally at their back, and land some hits. And, finally, it remains necessary to understand and anticipate enemy attacks, since evading too early of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… which will seriously hurt.
A Harmonious System
While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in the game. Naturally, that doesn't render it a believable fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — however, this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, Elden Ring's dodge motion is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the start, providing a dynamic sensation as opposed to plopping the player on the floor. Depending on your gear, the move can feel extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, but it remains faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges found in the earlier games. True, you will stick your oversized sword into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for avoiding ranged weapons (In jest — avoid using the game with a crossbow).
Optimal Harmony
This title's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but satisfaction.
