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If you've played this acclaimed title, or nearly any 3D action game, chances are you're acquainted with the wonderful technique called the “dodge roll.” This evasion technique enables your hero to execute a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to evade any enemy attacks and gain space from foes. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, though, has attracted significant backlash, and not just as a result of the somersault; some have dubbed it dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I concur. Picture me rolling around nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But this game's dodge roll is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a clever approach to respond to all views suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: merely bestow each opponent excessive power, triple that, and all heroes who dares come near them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. With so much on the line, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.

No alternative avoidance technique in Elden Ring matches this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and guard stances get quickly shattered by tough opponents. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to game dodging technique, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

Although this evasion move provides relief in an otherwise brutal game, it requires practice. First of all, the game's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity once you let go of the roll control, which stops a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dangerous scenarios. Moreover, although it may move you aside from enemies, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to advance, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you must still grasp and foresee opponent moves, since evading too early of an extended wind-up could conclude your immunity prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't really an option in this title. Naturally, that doesn't render it a realistic battle technique — the very cause why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a spectacular magical game we're talking about, so who cares?

Like any proper evasion move, this title's evasion sequence is spruced up with a small acrobatic jump at the start, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to placing the avatar downward. According to your loadout, the move can feel extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, but it remains swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. Certainly, you may embed your big blade in the dirt while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for not just playing a crossbow (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

Optimal Harmony

The game's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll gain not just victory, but gratification.