FromSoftware's Dodge Roll Merits to Be Celebrated

If you've played the popular action RPG, or most other action-adventure title, chances are you're well-versed in the wonderful technique referred to as the “evasion roll.” This defensive move enables your hero to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to avoid any enemy attacks and move away from foes. Seems useful, right?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has received significant backlash, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled unintelligent, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I concur. Just imagine me tumbling about hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But the title's dodge roll is the dodge roll to surpass every other evasion moves, and here's the reason.

In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a clever approach to address all opinions that the move is not challenging enough: simply give all foes overwhelming force, multiply it, and every Tarnished who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful thanks to their rolling skill, myself included. With so much on the line, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.

No different defensive move in this RPG comes close to this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, because swift moves don't cover much ground and blocking attempts get quickly shattered by powerful foes. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit would improve my chances of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

Although the dodge roll offers respite in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. First of all, this title's rolling dodge merely initiates a window of invulnerability following you stop pressing the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from perilous circumstances. Furthermore, while it might move you aside from foes, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, optimally at their back, and strike blows. And, finally, it remains necessary to comprehend and predict opponent moves, since evading too early of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in the game. Naturally, that doesn't render it a believable fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to see it in a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, the game's rolling animation is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, giving it an energetic feel instead of plopping the player on the floor. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or relatively slow, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves featured in Dark Souls. Certainly, you will stick your big blade on the floor while equipped with it, but that's on you for avoiding alternative arms (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring using ranged options).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not only success, but fulfillment.