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If you've played Elden Ring, or most other 3D action game, chances are you're familiar with the glorious feature called the “evasion roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to execute a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to evade all incoming damage and move away from foes. Appears practical, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, however, has received plenty of criticism, not simply because of the rolling; it's been labeled foolish, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I agree. Picture me rolling around local Doppler gangs 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 evasion moves, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the designers identified a clever approach to address all opinions suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow all foes overwhelming force, triple that, and every Tarnished who approaches them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in this RPG comes close to this sense of satisfaction and consistency, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are readily overcome by strong enemies. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to Elden Ring dodging technique, but besides failing to offer perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

But even though this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge just activates a frame of protection after you let go of the dodge button, which stops a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, although it may move you aside from enemies, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to advance, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. And, finally, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

Although evasion-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in Elden Ring. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be dreadful to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a spectacular magical game being considered, thus why worry?

Similar to any respectable rolling dodge, the game's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to placing the avatar onto the ground. According to your loadout, the technique may seem extremely nimble or relatively slow, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls featured in Dark Souls. True, you will stick your big blade on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for not just playing a crossbow (I'm joking — don't play Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

Elden Ring's evasion system creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll gain more than triumph, but satisfaction.