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For those who have experienced the popular action RPG, or most other third-person combat game, chances are you're acquainted with the glorious technique referred to as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to avoid all incoming damage and gain space from the bad guy. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?

The evasion roll, however, has gotten plenty of criticism, and not just due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it dumb, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I agree. You should see me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's evasion move represents the evasion to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a clever approach to counter all sentiments claiming the maneuver is too easy: simply give each opponent unreasonable strength, triple that, and each player character who dares come near them will appreciate deeply thanks to their rolling skill, me included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in this RPG approaches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and guard stances are easily broken by tough opponents. One player advised hopping as the main Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer ideal movement, I couldn't understand how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

But even though the rolling dodge offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. Firstly, the game's evasion move merely initiates a window of invulnerability following you stop pressing the evasion key, which stops a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Furthermore, although it may carry you off from opponents, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to get closer, preferably behind the opponent, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in the game. Certainly, that doesn't render it a realistic fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to see it in a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, Elden Ring's evasion sequence is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the start, providing a dynamic sensation rather than plopping the player downward. Depending on your gear, the move can feel super agile or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls found in the earlier games. Certainly, you could plant your large weapon into the ground while equipped with it, but that's on you for avoiding a crossbow (I'm joking — avoid using the game with a crossbow).

Optimal Harmony

The game's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll gain not just victory, but gratification.