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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're probably well-versed in the fantastic feature referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade all incoming damage and move away from the bad guy. Seems useful, doesn't it?

The evasion roll, though, has gotten significant backlash, and not just due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it foolish, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I concur. You should see me tumbling about hostile mobs in another popular RPG — untouchable! But the title's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to outdo all previous rolling dodges, and here's the reason.

For this particular game, the designers identified a clever approach to address all opinions suggesting the technique is overly simple: just grant every enemy unreasonable strength, increase it further, and each player character who approaches them will be eternally grateful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. When the stakes are this high, pulling off a perfect dodge seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in this RPG matches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are readily overcome by tough opponents. A person once suggested leaping as the primary game avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).

Learning the Move

Although this evasion move offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge just activates a period of immunity after you let go of the dodge button, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, even though it can carry you off from foes, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to get closer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. Lastly, you must still understand and anticipate foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence may look a bit ridiculous (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't practically possible in the game. Of course, that still doesn't make it a realistic combat move — the very cause why it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a spectacular magical game we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable rolling dodge, the game's evasion sequence is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the start, giving it an energetic feel as opposed to placing the avatar downward. Depending on your gear, the move can feel extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, but it remains quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls featured in the previous titles. Certainly, you may embed your big blade in the dirt while equipped with it, but that's your own fault for avoiding a crossbow (I'm joking — don't play the game with a crossbow).

Optimal Harmony

This title's avoidance feature creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Learn this skill, and you'll obtain not only success, but gratification.