The Game's Rolling Dodge Warrants Recognition
Having spent time with Elden Ring, or just about any 3D action game, you're likely well-versed in the glorious feature referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to perform a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to evade incoming harm and create distance from foes. Sounds handy, doesn't it?
The dodge roll, though, has gotten a lot of flak, and not just due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it dumb, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's rolling dodge stands as the roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.
In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a clever approach to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow all foes excessive power, triple that, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.
No different defensive move in Elden Ring approaches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, as quick dashes offer limited distance and guard stances are easily broken by strong enemies. A person once suggested leaping as the primary Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).
Perfecting the Skill
While the rolling dodge provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. First of all, this title's dodge roll merely initiates a window of invulnerability following you release the evasion key, which prevents a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Additionally, even though it can move you aside from enemies, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to advance, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still comprehend and predict foe assaults, since evading too early of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… resulting in severe damage.
A Harmonious System
Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in the game. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a realistic combat move — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title being considered, so who cares?
Similar to any respectable dodge roll, the game's dodge motion is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel instead of plopping the player downward. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains faster and more fluid than the rolling dodges found in the earlier games. True, you may embed your big blade in the dirt when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for failing to use alternative arms (In jest — steer clear of the game with projectile weapons).
Optimal Harmony
Elden Ring's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, providing prospects of success while threatening to take that hope away at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not only success, but fulfillment.
