The Game's Evasion Move Warrants Recognition
If you've played this acclaimed title, or nearly any 3D action game, you're likely acquainted with the glorious mechanic referred to as the “evasion roll.” This defensive move allows your character to perform a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to evade incoming harm and create distance from foes. Sounds handy, right?
This rolling move, however, has received a lot of flak, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been called dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I concur. Just imagine me rolling around nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But the title's dodge roll stands as the roll to surpass every other rolling dodges, and let me explain.
In Elden Ring's case, the developers found an excellent method to address all opinions that the move is not challenging enough: merely bestow all foes unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, myself included. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.
No different defensive move in this RPG matches this level of gratification and consistency, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and defensive postures are easily broken by tough opponents. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing optimal placement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (inexperience, possibly).
Perfecting the Skill
But even though this evasion move provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. First of all, this title's evasion move merely initiates a period of immunity following you let go of the dodge button, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, even though it can carry you off from enemies, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to get closer, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. Lastly, it remains necessary to grasp and foresee opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.
A Balanced Mechanic
Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in this title. Of course, that fails to transform it into a plausible fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a historical simulation — however, this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, so who cares?
Similar to any respectable dodge roll, the game's evasion sequence is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to dropping the character onto the ground. Depending on your gear, the move can feel incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the rolling dodges used in the previous titles. Admittedly, you may embed your big blade on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (Just kidding — steer clear of the game with a crossbow).
The Perfect Balance
Elden Ring's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but satisfaction.
