FromSoftware's Evasion Move Deserves Praise

Having spent time with the popular action RPG, or just about any third-person combat game, you're probably familiar with the wonderful feature known as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move lets your avatar to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to evade all incoming damage and create distance from opponents. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has attracted significant backlash, not simply because of the rolling; it's been called foolish, a cop-out, and an implausible action — and occasionally, I agree. Just imagine me tumbling about hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — they can't hit me! But this game's dodge roll represents the evasion to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and let me explain.

In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified a great way to respond to all views suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow all foes unreasonable strength, triple that, and all heroes who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in Elden Ring matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, because swift moves don't cover much ground and defensive postures are easily broken by powerful foes. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary game dodging technique, but aside from not providing ideal movement, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit might boost my prospects of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).

Mastering the Technique

Although this evasion move provides relief in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. To begin with, this title's dodge roll just activates a window of invulnerability once you stop pressing the roll control, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Moreover, while it might carry you off from foes, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to get closer, ideally to their rear, and land some hits. Lastly, you must still grasp and foresee foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Balanced Mechanic

Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition could appear somewhat silly (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in this title. Of course, that doesn't render it a plausible battle technique — exactly the reason it would be terrifying to see it in a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, this title's dodge motion is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the start, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to plopping the player on the floor. Depending on your gear, the technique may seem super agile or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the evasion moves featured in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you will stick your big blade into the ground when wielding such equipment, but that's on you for not just playing ranged weapons (I'm joking — avoid using the game with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's dodging mechanic establishes an ideal equilibrium between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while risking the loss of that hope at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll gain more than triumph, but fulfillment.

David Massey
David Massey

A tech journalist and digital strategist based in London, specializing in emerging technologies and startup ecosystems across Europe.