Elden Ring's Evasion Move Warrants to Be Celebrated

If you've played the popular action RPG, or nearly any 3D action game, you're probably well-versed in the wonderful mechanic called the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique lets your avatar to execute a forward, sideways, or backward ground roll to avoid any enemy attacks and gain space from opponents. Sounds handy, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, however, has attracted a lot of flak, and not just because of the rolling; it's been labeled foolish, a easy way out, and an implausible action — and sometimes, I see the point. Just imagine me rolling around nearby enemy groups in another popular RPG — untouchable! But this game's dodge roll is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and here's the reason.

Regarding this title, the creators discovered a great way to respond to all views suggesting the technique is overly simple: merely bestow all foes overwhelming force, multiply it, and every Tarnished who approaches them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, myself included. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully feels like an achievement, not a cheat.

No alternative avoidance technique in this RPG comes close to this level of gratification and dependability, as quick dashes offer limited distance and defensive postures are easily broken by tough opponents. A person once suggested leaping as the primary Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but in addition to lacking optimal placement, I couldn't understand how receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of defeating bosses (skill issue, perhaps).

Mastering the Technique

While this evasion move offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. First of all, the game's rolling dodge just activates a period of immunity following you let go of the dodge button, which stops a rapid, fearful withdrawal from perilous circumstances. Moreover, while it might carry you off from enemies, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to advance, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. Lastly, you still need comprehend and predict opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.

A Well-Designed Feature

Although evasion-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a believable combat move — 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, thus why worry?

Similar to any respectable evasion move, Elden Ring's dodge motion is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the start, giving it an energetic feel rather than dropping the character onto the ground. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear super agile or moderately cumbersome, yet it's always swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls found in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you may embed your big blade on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for not just playing ranged weapons (In jest — don't play the game with projectile weapons).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll be rewarded with more than triumph, but satisfaction.

Kathleen Murphy
Kathleen Murphy

Elias Vance is a tech consultant and digital strategist with over 12 years of experience in helping UK businesses adapt to technological changes.