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For those who have experienced the popular action RPG, or most other 3D action game, you're probably well-versed in the fantastic technique known as the “dodge roll.” This defensive move allows your character to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to avoid incoming harm and gain space from the bad guy. Appears practical, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, however, has attracted a lot of flak, and not just because of the rolling; it's been called dumb, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I agree. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But the title's dodge roll stands as the roll to outdo all previous evasion moves, and let me explain.

For this particular game, the creators discovered a great way to address all opinions claiming the maneuver is overly simple: just grant each opponent excessive power, triple that, and every Tarnished who approaches them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, me included. With so much on the line, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in the game matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, since rapid sprints offer limited distance and defensive postures get quickly shattered by powerful foes. One player advised hopping as the main Elden Ring evasion method, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I couldn't understand how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (skill issue, perhaps).

Perfecting the Skill

But even though this evasion move provides relief in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. Firstly, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a window of invulnerability following you let go of the evasion key, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Additionally, even though it can move you aside from opponents, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to advance, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you still need grasp and foresee opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation might terminate your protection prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

Even though rolling-dodging in rapid sequence could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in this title. Naturally, that still doesn't make it a realistic combat move — the very cause why it would be terrifying to see it in a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a dazzling imaginative experience being considered, so who cares?

Similar to any respectable evasion move, this title's rolling animation is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the beginning, offering a lively impression rather than dropping the character on the floor. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem super agile or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always quicker and smoother than the rolling dodges found in the earlier games. Admittedly, you may embed your large weapon into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's on you for avoiding alternative arms (In jest — don't play Elden Ring with projectile weapons).

The Perfect Balance

This title's avoidance feature creates the perfect balance between difficulty and chance, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll be rewarded with not just victory, but fulfillment.