Elden Ring's Rolling Dodge Warrants Recognition
Having spent time with Elden Ring, or most other third-person combat game, you're likely familiar with the fantastic technique called the “rolling dodge.” This avoidance maneuver enables your hero to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to dodge all incoming damage and move away from the bad guy. Seems useful, doesn't it?
The dodge roll, however, has received significant backlash, not simply due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it foolish, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and occasionally, I agree. Just imagine me tumbling about nearby enemy groups in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's dodge roll represents the evasion to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and let me explain.
In Elden Ring's case, the creators discovered an excellent method to address all opinions that the move is too easy: simply give all foes unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who dares come near them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, me included. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.
No other evasion method in this RPG matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, since rapid sprints provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are readily overcome by strong enemies. One player advised hopping as the main Elden Ring dodging technique, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how taking a crushing hit might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).
Mastering the Technique
While this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. First of all, the game's evasion move merely initiates a frame of protection after you let go of the dodge button, which hinders a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Additionally, even though it can transport you away from foes, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to get closer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you still need understand and anticipate foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation could conclude your immunity ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.
A Harmonious System
Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in this title. Of course, that still doesn't make it a plausible battle technique — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to see it in a game like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a spectacular magical game being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Like any proper dodge roll, the game's rolling animation is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, providing a dynamic sensation instead of dropping the character onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or relatively slow, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls featured in the earlier games. Certainly, you will stick your big blade in the dirt when wielding such equipment, but that's your responsibility for avoiding a crossbow (In jest — steer clear of the game with a crossbow).
Optimal Harmony
The game's avoidance feature 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 more than triumph, but satisfaction.
