The Game's Dodge Roll Deserves Recognition
If you've played Elden Ring, or most other 3D action game, you're probably familiar with the fantastic feature referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to execute a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to evade all incoming damage and move away from the bad guy. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?
The evasion roll, though, has gotten plenty of criticism, and not just due to the tumbling; it's been called dumb, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I see the point. Picture me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But this game's dodge roll represents the evasion to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.
Regarding this title, the creators discovered an excellent method to respond to all views that the move is not challenging enough: simply give all foes unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who approaches them will appreciate deeply because of their evasion move, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory feels like an achievement, instead of an unfair advantage.
No different defensive move in Elden Ring matches this sense of satisfaction and reliability, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are easily broken by tough opponents. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to game evasion method, but aside from not providing optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).
Perfecting the Skill
Although this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. Firstly, the game's dodge roll only triggers a frame of protection after you let go of the dodge button, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, even though it can transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. And, finally, you must still understand and anticipate opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… causing significant harm.
A Harmonious System
Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in the game. Of course, that doesn't render it a plausible battle technique — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, thus why worry?
Like any proper rolling dodge, this title's dodge motion is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, providing a dynamic sensation as opposed to dropping the character on the floor. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls used in Dark Souls. True, you will stick your large weapon on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's on you for avoiding ranged weapons (Just kidding — avoid using Elden Ring using ranged options).
The Perfect Balance
This title's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll gain more than triumph, but gratification.
