Elden Ring's Rolling Dodge Deserves to Be Celebrated

For those who have experienced Elden Ring, or most other third-person combat game, you're probably acquainted with the fantastic feature known as the “dodge roll.” This evasion technique allows your character to perform a forward, sideways, or backward tumble to avoid all incoming damage and gain space from opponents. Appears practical, wouldn't you say?

This rolling move, however, has attracted significant backlash, not simply as a result of the somersault; it's been called dumb, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and occasionally, I see the point. Just imagine me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's dodge roll stands as the roll to surpass every other dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.

Regarding this title, the developers found a great way to address all opinions that the move is overly simple: just grant all foes unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who ventures close them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, me included. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG matches this level of gratification and reliability, because swift moves provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are readily overcome by tough opponents. One player advised jumping as a go-to Elden Ring dodging technique, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).

Learning the Move

While the dodge roll offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it isn't without skill. To begin with, Elden Ring's rolling dodge just activates a window of invulnerability once you stop pressing the dodge button, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Furthermore, even though it can move you aside from opponents, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to get closer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee foe assaults, since evading too early of a long charging animation could conclude your immunity before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Balanced Mechanic

While dodge-rolling in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a believable combat move — the very cause why it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a spectacular magical game being considered, so who cares?

Like any proper dodge roll, this title's rolling animation is enhanced with a brief tumbling leap at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel rather than plopping the player onto the ground. According to your loadout, the technique may seem extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. True, you will stick your big blade in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for failing to use ranged weapons (I'm joking — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, providing prospects of success while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll gain not only success, but fulfillment.

Brittany Richards
Brittany Richards

A software engineer and tech writer passionate about AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, with over a decade of industry experience.