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For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or nearly any 3D action game, you're likely familiar with the glorious mechanic known as the “evasion roll.” This defensive move allows your character to execute a front, lateral, or rearward ground roll to dodge incoming harm and create distance from foes. Sounds handy, right?

The evasion roll, though, has gotten plenty of criticism, not simply due to the tumbling; it's been called foolish, a cheap tactic, and an unrealistic move — and in some cases, I concur. You should see me somersaulting past local Doppler gangs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But this game's evasion move represents the evasion to outdo all previous dodge rolls, and let me explain.

Regarding this title, the developers found an excellent method to respond to all views suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: merely bestow every enemy excessive power, increase it further, and all heroes who dares come near them will be eternally grateful thanks to their rolling skill, me included. Given the intense difficulty, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.

No other evasion method in the game approaches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, since rapid sprints provide minimal movement and blocking attempts are readily overcome by strong enemies. A person once suggested leaping as the primary game evasion method, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of defeating bosses (lack of skill, maybe).

Perfecting the Skill

While this evasion move grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. First of all, this title's evasion move only triggers a window of invulnerability after you let go of the evasion key, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dire situations. Moreover, although it may move you aside from foes, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to move nearer, optimally at their back, and land some hits. Lastly, you still need comprehend and predict foe assaults, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… causing significant harm.

A Harmonious System

While dodge-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't practically possible in this title. Certainly, that fails to transform it into a believable battle technique — the very cause why it would be terrifying to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — but this is a spectacular magical game under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?

Similar to any respectable rolling dodge, the game's evasion sequence is improved by a small acrobatic jump at the start, providing a dynamic sensation instead of dropping the character onto the ground. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls found in Dark Souls. Certainly, you could plant your big blade into the ground while equipped with it, but that's your own fault for avoiding alternative arms (I'm joking — steer clear of Elden Ring with a crossbow).

Ideal Equilibrium

The game's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between challenge and opportunity, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not only success, but gratification.