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Having spent time with this acclaimed title, or most other third-person combat game, you're likely acquainted with the wonderful technique called the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to execute a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to dodge all incoming damage and move away from foes. Appears practical, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, though, has attracted plenty of criticism, and not just because of the rolling; some have dubbed it unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I agree. You should see me tumbling about hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's dodge roll stands as the roll to surpass every other rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

For this particular game, the developers found a clever approach to respond to all views that the move is overly simple: merely bestow each opponent unreasonable strength, triple that, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.

No different defensive move in this RPG approaches this level of gratification and reliability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and guard stances get quickly shattered by strong enemies. A person once suggested jumping as a go-to Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

Although the rolling dodge provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. First of all, Elden Ring's dodge roll merely initiates a window of invulnerability after you stop pressing the roll control, which hinders a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Additionally, even though it can move you aside from foes, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, optimally at their back, and strike blows. In conclusion, you must still understand and anticipate enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in this title. Of course, that still doesn't make it a realistic fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — yet we're discussing a spectacular magical game we're talking about, thus why worry?

Similar to any respectable evasion move, the game's evasion sequence is improved by a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, offering a lively impression instead of dropping the character onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges found in Dark Souls. Certainly, you may embed your large weapon on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's your own fault for not just playing alternative arms (Just kidding — avoid using Elden Ring using ranged options).

The Perfect Balance

This title's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between challenge and opportunity, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll gain not just victory, but gratification.