20 Best Dodge-Rolls In Gaming (Yes, Really)

Dodge-rolls seem basic, but they’re actually a core part of many game combat systems. They offer a quick moment of safety, let you move around quickly, and allow for smooth transitions between attacks, making fights feel balanced and easy to follow. Game designers carefully adjust things like timing, stamina use, and recovery time to give each game’s dodge-roll a unique feel. Here are some great examples of how versatile and well-designed this simple move can be in different types of games.

‘Enter the Gungeon’

The special dodge roll briefly makes you invincible as it starts, allowing you to safely pass through enemy bullets. Where you land after the roll is important, though, as you’re vulnerable again for a short time. The game encourages precise timing by making you navigate tricky bullet patterns without using shields. Skilled players can combine rolls with quick weapon reloads, letting them move and shoot seamlessly.

‘Dark Souls’

The protective window during a roll lasts longer and covers more distance if you aren’t carrying too much equipment. Managing your stamina is important, as rolling when you’re tired leaves you vulnerable. You can also cancel most actions into a roll, allowing you to quickly change your defense instead of being locked into an attack.

‘Bloodborne’

As a player, I’m really loving how the combat flows! Locking on makes dodging feel super fast and lets you quickly move around opponents. And it’s awesome that if you dodge an attack and immediately strike back, you regain health – it really encourages you to be proactive. Plus, you can even interrupt enemies right after a dodge with a gun, creating a perfect chance for a powerful attack. It’s not about running away from trouble, it’s about staying close and constantly moving around your enemies – that’s where the system really shines!

‘Elden Ring’

Players can customize their character’s movement speed and invincibility frames through different equipment and talismans. The game is forgiving with inputs, meaning quick, chained actions happen smoothly. Using Spirit Ashes or fighting on horseback alters the timing of attacks, so you’ll need to adjust how you dodge for each enemy. Tougher bosses challenge your positioning with attacks that are delayed or come in quick combinations, forcing you to roll in different directions.

‘Bayonetta’

Successfully dodging an attack activates Witch Time, briefly slowing down everything around you and creating a window of opportunity to strike. This dodge can interrupt most attacks, letting players skillfully bait opponents and avoid damage without interrupting their own flow. Each enemy reacts differently to Witch Time, encouraging players to master specific timing for each encounter. Players can further customize their dodging with accessories and skills, allowing them to keep up the attack while staying safe.

‘Hades’

The dash move provides a quick, temporary shield and can be improved with special buffs. Some buffs add damage or create illusions, turning quick movement into an attack strategy. Boss fights are designed to encourage players to chain dashes through dangerous areas, mastering precise movement. Players can further customize their weapons with items to combine dodging with unique attacks, creating different playstyles.

‘Dead Cells’

Dodging forward lets you strike enemies from behind and open them up for powerful attacks. How quickly you can dodge and how far it travels depend on your equipment, making the ability stronger as you find better weapons. Avoiding traps and incoming attacks requires careful timing and learning enemy patterns. This same dodge can also soften falls, making it useful for both navigating tricky platforms and fighting enemies.

‘Monster Hunter: World’

Successfully dodging monster attacks depends on your stamina and where you position yourself, as monsters react to changes in your movement. Certain skills let you stay invulnerable for longer while rolling, encouraging players to prioritize speed and agility in their armor choices. You can also use items like mantles and slopes, along with well-timed dodges, to create opportunities to escape. Monsters usually give clear warnings before attacking, letting you learn when it’s best to roll to avoid damage and when to simply run.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’

Geralt can quickly dodge with a short sidestep or a longer roll, each useful in different situations. Rolling helps him create distance, while sidestepping keeps him close enough to quickly counterattack. He can’t use these moves constantly due to stamina limitations, but using signs during recovery helps keep the pressure on enemies. Different enemy types also call for different dodging strategies – sidestepping is better against humans, while rolling away is more effective against large beasts.

‘Nioh’

Dodging and your character’s posture are key to controlling the flow of battle, impacting both speed and what happens after a dodge. The Ki Pulse ability allows you to quickly regain energy after dodging, letting you keep the pressure on. Be aware that some enemies can predict your rolls, so changing direction and switching stances are crucial. Also, how much equipment you carry and your agility level significantly affect how far you move and how quickly you recover.

‘God of War’

Rolling quickly puts Kratos back into a defensive stance, prepared to guard. The game uses colored signals to show players when to dodge attacks instead of blocking them. While you’re briefly invincible during a roll, you still need to move in the right direction to avoid getting hit by larger attacks. Importantly, the timing for dodging and blocking stays the same no matter which weapon stance you’re using, so skills learned with one weapon apply to others.

‘Remnant II’

How well you can dodge is affected by how much stuff you’re carrying – lighter equipment lets you roll faster and farther. The game is forgiving with dodge invulnerability when you’re lightly equipped, encouraging the use of lighter armor. Most enemies shoot a lot, so you’ll need to roll through attacks, not just away from them. Certain character upgrades and rings can make your dodges last longer or give you extra resources if you time them perfectly.

‘Warframe’

Rolling provides a quick damage reduction and slightly shrinks your hit area, minimizing minor damage. It also interrupts many enemy attacks, allowing you to quickly move and maintain your offensive rhythm. The updated movement system connects rolls with slides and jumps for smoother dodging and navigation. Players can customize rolls further with upgrades to adjust their speed and range to fit their playstyle.

‘Returnal’

The dash ability makes you briefly immune to most environmental dangers and physical attacks, though some energy beams can still hit you. Because it recharges quickly, you can use it frequently between attacks and dodges. The levels are designed with spaces that encourage you to dash diagonally through enemy fire. You can also find upgrades that heal you or increase your damage after a successful dash.

‘Control’

Evade starts as a basic ability and quickly improves, letting you move much farther. It interrupts your levitation, allowing you to change position in the air and dodge dangers on the ground. Different enemy types require you to time your dodges carefully, as some attacks curve and others explode when they hit. With the right upgrades, you can use Evade more often, turning combat into a fast-paced dance of dodging between enemy attacks.

‘Tunic’

Rolling uses stamina and leaves you briefly open, helping you learn how to stay at a safe distance. While you can use a shield, rolling is usually better for dodging wide attacks. Improving your gear slightly reduces the time you’re vulnerable after a roll, making dodging feel more fluid as you explore. Boss arenas are designed with enough space to allow for clear rolling paths, so you can learn the boss’s attack patterns.

‘Salt and Sanctuary’

Being weighed down makes you more vulnerable and slows your recovery, similar to how many action RPGs work. Rolling lets you pass through enemies, making attacks from behind and quick counters much more dependable. Environmental dangers and traps are designed around the timing of your rolls, encouraging skillful play. You can build your character to be fast and agile, or tough and resilient, but each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses.

‘Hyper Light Drifter’

As a player, I’ve found the dash in this game is super quick – it’s all about timing! Once you get the hang of it, you can chain dashes together to cover a lot of ground, even move behind enemies for a sneaky attack. What’s cool is you’re actually rewarded for pressing dash early – the beginning of the move makes you invincible, so quick reactions are better than frantic button mashing. Plus, the game is really good at showing you exactly when an attack is coming, so you can learn to dash through attacks instead of just running away. It makes for some really satisfying gameplay!

‘Lies of P’

At the beginning of the game, players typically start with a simple dodge maneuver, which can be improved with upgrades to increase invulnerability. A well-timed block, called Perfect Guard, works alongside dodging, giving players strategic defensive options during each attack. Further enhancements and special items can reduce the time it takes to recover after dodging or add extra abilities. Boss battles often feature attacks with timing-based swings and require players to roll in specific directions to avoid damage.

‘Resident Evil 3’

This updated version includes a flawless dodge mechanic that briefly slows down time, letting you line up accurate shots. You can still avoid attacks and grabs the usual way without using ammo. Enemies give clear warnings before attacking, so you can practice dodging at the right moment – especially helpful before facing bosses. Successfully dodging an attack opens a window for a quick counterattack, encouraging skillful play.

Tell us about dodge-rolls in games that you think are particularly well-designed! Share your examples in the comments and explain what made them stand out or what you learned from them.

2025-11-17 01:19