The Game's Evasion Move Warrants to Be Celebrated
If you've played Elden Ring, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're likely acquainted with the wonderful technique known as the “dodge roll.” This defensive move enables your hero to perform a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to evade all incoming damage and create distance from the bad guy. Appears practical, doesn't it?
The evasion roll, though, has received plenty of criticism, and not just because of the rolling; some have dubbed it foolish, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I see the point. Picture me tumbling about local Doppler gangs in another popular RPG — can't touch this Geralt! But this game's evasion move is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and let me explain.
Regarding this title, the designers identified a great way to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is too easy: simply give every enemy overwhelming force, triple that, and each player character who dares come near them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.
No different defensive move in the game matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and defensive postures get quickly shattered by tough opponents. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary Elden Ring evasion method, but aside from not providing optimal placement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).
Learning the Move
Although this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, this title's dodge roll just activates a window of invulnerability following you stop pressing the dodge button, which hinders a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, although it may move you aside from opponents, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to get closer, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee enemy attacks, since evading too early of a long charging animation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.
A Balanced Mechanic
While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't practically possible in Elden Ring. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a plausible fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be dreadful to see it in a game like a historical simulation — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, thus why worry?
Similar to any respectable evasion move, this title's evasion sequence is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the commencement, providing a dynamic sensation rather than plopping the player onto the ground. According to your loadout, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, but it remains quicker and smoother than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. Certainly, you will stick your big blade into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's on you for not just playing ranged weapons (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring with a crossbow).
Optimal Harmony
Elden Ring's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Learn this skill, and you'll obtain not just victory, but gratification.
