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If you've played the popular action RPG, or most other action-adventure title, you're likely acquainted with the fantastic technique known as the “dodge roll.” This defensive move allows your character to execute a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to evade incoming harm and create distance from the bad guy. Appears practical, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, though, has gotten a lot of flak, not simply because of the rolling; some have dubbed it foolish, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I see the point. Picture me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But the title's evasion move is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered an excellent method to address all opinions suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow each opponent overwhelming force, triple that, and each player character who ventures close them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, myself included. With so much on the line, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in this RPG comes close to this level of gratification and consistency, because swift moves provide minimal movement and defensive postures are readily overcome by powerful foes. Someone once recommended hopping as the main Elden Ring dodging technique, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

Although the dodge roll provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. First of all, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a period of immunity once you stop pressing the roll control, which stops a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Additionally, while it might transport you away from enemies, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to advance, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. And, finally, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Balanced Mechanic

Although evasion-rolling in quick succession might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't practically possible in this title. Of course, that doesn't render it a realistic fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be dreadful to see it in a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a spectacular magical game under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable evasion move, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel instead of dropping the character downward. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem extremely nimble or relatively slow, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. Certainly, you could plant your big blade on the floor while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for failing to use ranged weapons (I'm joking — avoid using the game using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's avoidance feature creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, providing prospects of success while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll gain not just victory, but gratification.