The Game's Dodge Roll Merits Praise
Having spent time with Elden Ring, or nearly any 3D action game, you're probably acquainted with the fantastic mechanic known as the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to perform a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to avoid all incoming damage and gain space from foes. Appears practical, doesn't it?
The dodge roll, nevertheless, has attracted a lot of flak, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been labeled dumb, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I see the point. You should see me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But this game's evasion move stands as the roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and let me explain.
For this particular game, the designers identified a great way to respond to all views suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow all foes unreasonable strength, multiply it, and each player character who approaches them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, me included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.
No other evasion method in Elden Ring matches this sense of satisfaction and reliability, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances are easily broken by powerful foes. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing ideal movement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).
Mastering the Technique
While the dodge roll grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge just activates a period of immunity following you let go of the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, while it might move you aside from foes, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to advance, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. Lastly, you still need grasp and foresee foe assaults, since evading too early of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.
A Harmonious System
While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in the game. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a realistic battle technique — exactly the reason it would be dreadful to see it in a game like a historical simulation — however, this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, thus why worry?
Similar to any respectable evasion move, the game's rolling animation is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, providing a dynamic sensation instead of placing the avatar on the floor. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear super agile or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the evasion moves featured in the earlier games. Certainly, you will stick your oversized sword into the ground while equipped with it, but that's on you for not just playing ranged weapons (Just kidding — don't play Elden Ring with a crossbow).
Ideal Equilibrium
This title's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not only success, but satisfaction.
