Elden Ring's Rolling Dodge Warrants Recognition

If you've played Elden Ring, or nearly any 3D action game, you're probably well-versed in the wonderful technique referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver allows your character to perform a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to dodge any enemy attacks and gain space from the bad guy. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has attracted significant backlash, not simply because of the rolling; it's been called dumb, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and occasionally, I agree. Picture me rolling around local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — can't touch this Geralt! But the title's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the designers identified a clever approach to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: simply give every enemy overwhelming force, multiply it, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, rather than a cheap trick.

No alternative avoidance technique in the game matches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, because swift moves offer limited distance and defensive postures are readily overcome by powerful foes. One player advised jumping as a go-to Elden Ring dodging technique, but aside from not providing ideal movement, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

While this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a frame of protection following you stop pressing the dodge button, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dire situations. Additionally, even though it can carry you off from enemies, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to advance, optimally at their back, and land some hits. And, finally, it remains necessary to grasp and foresee enemy attacks, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection prior to the hit connecting… resulting in severe damage.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Certainly, that doesn't render it a plausible fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — but this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Like any proper evasion move, this title's rolling animation is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the start, offering a lively impression rather than plopping the player onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem extremely nimble or relatively slow, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls used in the earlier games. Admittedly, you could plant your large weapon in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's on you for failing to use alternative arms (Just kidding — avoid using the game with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

The game's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but satisfaction.

Ann Miller
Ann Miller

Mia Thompson is a bingo enthusiast and writer with 10 years of experience in the gaming industry.