The Game's Evasion Move Deserves to Be Celebrated
Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or nearly any 3D action game, you're likely acquainted with the glorious technique referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique enables your hero to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to evade all incoming damage and move away from opponents. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?
The dodge roll, however, has attracted significant backlash, not simply because of the rolling; it's been called foolish, a easy way out, and an implausible action — and occasionally, I agree. You should see me rolling around hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But this game'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 claiming the maneuver is overly simple: merely bestow every enemy excessive power, increase it further, and each player character who dares come near them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, myself included. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge feels like an achievement, rather than a cheap trick.
No different defensive move in this RPG approaches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and guard stances get quickly shattered by tough opponents. Someone once recommended hopping as the main Elden Ring dodging technique, but besides failing to offer ideal movement, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).
Perfecting the Skill
While this evasion move offers respite in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge just activates a frame of protection once you release the roll control, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, although it may move you aside from foes, it's much better to employ it as a chance to get closer, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. And, finally, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.
A Balanced Mechanic
While dodge-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Of course, that fails to transform it into a believable combat move — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a dazzling imaginative experience under discussion, thus why worry?
Similar to any respectable dodge roll, the game's evasion sequence is improved by a little somersault-y hop at the start, providing a dynamic sensation rather than plopping the player onto the ground. According to your loadout, the move can feel incredibly quick or relatively slow, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls found in the earlier games. Certainly, you could plant your large weapon into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's on you for not just playing alternative arms (In jest — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).
Ideal Equilibrium
Elden Ring's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the smallest error. Master this technique, and you'll obtain not only success, but gratification.
