The Game's Evasion Move Deserves to Be Celebrated
Having spent time with this acclaimed title, or just about any third-person combat game, you're likely well-versed in the wonderful mechanic known as the “dodge roll.” This defensive move allows your character to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to evade any enemy attacks and move away from the bad guy. Sounds handy, right?
The dodge roll, however, has attracted a lot of flak, and not only due to the tumbling; it's been called foolish, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I concur. Picture me rolling around local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.
Regarding this title, the developers found an excellent method to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is too easy: simply give all foes excessive power, multiply it, and every Tarnished who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, I'm no exception. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.
No alternative avoidance technique in Elden Ring comes close to this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, because swift moves provide minimal movement and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by powerful foes. One player advised leaping as the primary Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).
Mastering the Technique
While the rolling dodge grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it requires practice. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge just activates a frame of protection once you let go of the dodge button, which stops a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, even though it can move you aside from foes, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, it remains necessary to grasp and foresee opponent moves, since evading too early of a long charging animation may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.
A Well-Designed Feature
While dodge-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in this title. Of course, that fails to transform it into a realistic fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, so who cares?
Similar to any respectable evasion move, the game's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, offering a lively impression as opposed to placing the avatar downward. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges featured in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you will stick your large weapon on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's on you for avoiding alternative arms (In jest — steer clear of the game using ranged options).
Optimal Harmony
This title's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll obtain more than triumph, but satisfaction.
