The Game's Evasion Move Warrants Recognition
Having spent time with Elden Ring, or just about any third-person combat game, you're probably acquainted with the fantastic mechanic referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to avoid all incoming damage and create distance from opponents. Seems useful, doesn't it?
The evasion roll, though, has received significant backlash, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been called dumb, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and in some cases, I concur. Picture me rolling around local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But Elden Ring's evasion move stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and let me explain.
In Elden Ring's case, the creators discovered a clever approach to address all opinions that the move is overly simple: simply give all foes excessive power, triple that, and each player character who dares come near them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, rather than a cheap trick.
No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG matches this level of gratification and dependability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by strong enemies. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to game evasion method, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow might boost my prospects of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).
Learning the Move
But even though the dodge roll grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. To begin with, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a period of immunity following you let go of the dodge button, which stops a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, while it might carry you off from foes, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. And, finally, it remains necessary to grasp and foresee enemy attacks, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… resulting in severe damage.
A Harmonious System
Although evasion-rolling in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in the game. Of course, that doesn't render it a believable battle technique — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a spectacular magical game being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Similar to any respectable dodge roll, this title's evasion sequence is enhanced with a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel rather than plopping the player on the floor. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem super agile or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls used in the previous titles. Admittedly, you could plant your large weapon in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for failing to use alternative arms (Just kidding — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).
The Perfect Balance
This title's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the smallest error. Learn this skill, and you'll gain more than triumph, but gratification.
