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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or most other third-person combat game, you're likely well-versed in the wonderful feature referred to as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique allows your character to execute a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to dodge incoming harm and create distance from foes. Appears practical, doesn't it?

This rolling move, however, has attracted significant backlash, and not only as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it foolish, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I agree. Picture me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and let me explain.

For this particular game, the creators discovered a great way to counter all sentiments that the move is overly simple: simply give each opponent unreasonable strength, triple that, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, myself included. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring comes close to this sense of satisfaction and consistency, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are readily overcome by tough opponents. A person once suggested hopping as the main Elden Ring dodging technique, but besides failing to offer ideal movement, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though this evasion move provides relief in an incredibly challenging experience, it requires practice. First of all, the game's rolling dodge just activates a period of immunity once you release the roll control, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from enemies, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, optimally at their back, and strike blows. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, since evading too early of a long charging animation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Well-Designed Feature

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a believable fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, so who cares?

Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, this title's rolling animation is spruced up with a small acrobatic jump at the start, providing a dynamic sensation instead of placing the avatar downward. According to your loadout, the maneuver might appear super agile or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. True, you may embed your big blade in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's on you for failing to use alternative arms (In jest — don't play the game with a crossbow).

The Perfect Balance

This title's evasion system establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not just victory, but fulfillment.