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For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or most other third-person combat game, chances are you're familiar with the glorious technique referred to as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to execute a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to dodge all incoming damage and move away from the bad guy. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, though, has gotten plenty of criticism, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled foolish, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I agree. Just imagine me rolling around nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But this game's dodge roll is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and here's the reason.

For this particular game, the designers identified an excellent method to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is too easy: merely bestow every enemy unreasonable strength, multiply it, and each player character who approaches them will appreciate deeply because of their evasion move, me included. With so much on the line, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in the game comes close to this level of gratification and reliability, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and guard stances are readily overcome by powerful foes. One player advised jumping as a go-to Elden Ring dodging technique, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how getting my skull smashed in could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

While this evasion move provides relief in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, the game's evasion move only triggers a frame of protection following you stop pressing the dodge button, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dire situations. Additionally, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's significantly more useful to utilize it as a moment to get closer, optimally at their back, and land some hits. Lastly, you must still comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in this title. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a realistic combat move — the very cause why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — but this is a spectacular magical game being considered, thus why worry?

Comparable to any well-executed rolling dodge, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the start, offering a lively impression rather than placing the avatar downward. According to your loadout, the move can feel extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges featured in the previous titles. True, you could plant your large weapon into the ground while equipped with it, but that's your own fault for not just playing alternative arms (In jest — don't play the game using ranged options).

The Perfect Balance

This title's avoidance feature forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll obtain not just victory, but satisfaction.