Roll or Die: The Ultimate Guide to Dodging in Elden Ring

Let’s face it—in the merciless world of Elden Ring, you’re going to die. A lot. But here’s the thing: with proper dodging skills, you can at least die with style before you eventually triumph.

Dodging isn’t just some panic button you smash when a giant, three-headed monstrosity swings at you—it’s an art form that separates the Tarnished from the truly shattered.

I-Frames: Your Invisible Superpower

Ever wondered how those YouTube “no-hit” runners seem to phase through deadly attacks like ghosts? That’s the magic of invincibility frames, or i-frames—those precious milliseconds during your dodge animation when you’re basically a phantom.

Here’s the crucial distinction that separates Elden Ring veterans from newcomers: dodging isn’t actually about physically avoiding hits—it’s about timing your i-frames correctly. This counterintuitive concept is why some players struggle despite having quick reflexes.

What makes i-frames your greatest weapon:

Passing Through Attacks: With proper timing, you can literally roll through an enemy’s weapon or spell. Yes, you read that right—directly through that giant hammer that’s twice your size.
Strategic Repositioning: While those i-frames keep you alive, your roll simultaneously places you in prime position for a devastating counterattack.
Universal Defense: I-frames work consistently against everything from tiny daggers to mountain-sized bosses and magical explosions—attacks that would be physically impossible to avoid otherwise.
The True Skill Ceiling: Anyone can panic roll, but mastering precise i-frame timing is what separates the “git gud” crowd from everyone else. It’s the invisible skill that makes all the difference.

This explains that bizarre phenomenon where you visually appear to get hit by an attack but take zero damage. If your i-frames were active at the moment of impact, the game considers you untouchable, regardless of what the animation shows. The secret isn’t rolling away from danger; it’s rolling through it, timing your i-frames to coincide with the exact moment an enemy’s weapon would turn you into a pancake. Master this timing, and you’ll look like you’re breaking the laws of physics. Fail, and, well… you’ve got another loading screen to enjoy.

Dodge 101: The Basics of Not Getting Hit

Let’s start simple: Your survival in the Lands Between depends on mastering these fundamental evasion techniques.

The Button Release Secret

Here’s something most players don’t realize: in Elden Ring, your dodge executes when you release the button, not when you press it. This is called “negative edge” and it’s specific to the dodge button.
For the fastest possible dodges, use quick taps rather than holding the button down.
Holding creates a 100-350 millisecond delay that can make dodging feel sluggish and get you killed.
Hold too long and your character starts running instead of dodging (since it’s the same button).
Remember: tap don’t hold, unless you’re trying to sprint away from that dragon’s fire breath.

The Trusty Roll

Your bread-and-butter evasion technique. Press that dodge button (Circle/B/Space) while moving, and watch your character perform a surprisingly athletic tumble.
Those precious i-frames happen in the middle of your roll—not at the beginning or end, where you’re as vulnerable as a naked character fighting Malenia.

The Stylish Backstep

No directional input + dodge button = backstep. It’s quicker than rolling but offers no i-frames. Think of it as the dodge’s showier, less useful cousin.
Great for showing off before launching into a counter-attack. Not so great for actually avoiding damage.
Hidden Talents: Despite its lack of i-frames, the backstep has secret strengths:
- Lightning Recovery: Backstep has ultra-quick recovery frames, letting you act faster than after a roll.
- Shield-Compatible: Unlike rolling, you can backstep while keeping your shield raised. Fashion and function!
- Special Attacks: Many weapons have unique, often longer-range attacks that can only be performed after a backstep.
- Precision Positioning: For when you need to avoid an attack without rolling halfway to Caelid.
- Stamina Miser: Backstepping uses less green juice than rolling, letting you save energy for attacking.
- PvP Mind Games: Nothing confuses human opponents more than doing the unexpected—backstep when they expect a roll.
- Combo Catalyst: Chain a backstep into weapon arts or attacks for stylish combat sequences that would make Let Me Solo Her proud.

The Underappreciated Jump

Press X/A/F to perform what might be the most overlooked evasion technique in the game.
Grants partial i-frames (your lower half becomes intangible), perfect for dodging sweeping attacks that would otherwise catch your ankles.

The Weight of Your Fashion Choices

Your fancy armor comes at a price:

Light Load (≤29.9%): Zoom across the battlefield with lightning-fast ninja rolls.
Medium Load (30%-69.9%): The goldilocks zone most players live in—not too fast, not too slow.
Heavy Load (70%-99.9%): The “I like to live dangerously” roll. Short distance, long recovery, questionable life choices.
Overloaded (>100%): Congratulations, you’re now a walking statue. No rolls for you!

Advanced Dodging: Looking Like You Know What You’re Doing

Now we’re talking: These techniques separate the casual players from the true Elden Lords. Master these, and you’ll be the one making bosses nervous.

The Counter-Intuitive Roll

Rolling toward danger feels wrong, but it’s often right. By rolling into attacks, you minimize time spent in the hitbox danger zone and position yourself for a devastating counter-attack.
Plus, it looks incredibly badass when you pull it off.

Avoiding the Roll Catch

Enemies aren’t stupid (well, most of them). They’ve evolved to punish panic rollers by delaying their swings just enough to catch you at the end of your roll.
Be patient. Wait for the actual attack before dodging, not the intimidating wind-up.

The Art of Chain Dodging

That boss’s 7-hit combo isn’t going to dodge itself. Each attack needs its own precisely-timed roll.
Button mashing the dodge key is the quickest route to a “YOU DIED” screen and a frustrated controller throw.

Using the Environment

Remember when you rolled into that pillar while a boss demolished you? Do the opposite of that.
Use terrain strategically to create safe zones during your dodges.

Fancy Dodge Skills

Quickstep and Bloodhound’s Step aren’t just for show—they provide extended i-frames and better positioning.
They cost FP, but that’s a small price to pay for looking like a teleporting ninja.

Torrent Dismount I-Frames

Yes, even your loyal steed can help you dodge! Dismounting from Torrent at precisely the right moment grants you a window of invincibility.
Press the dismount button just as an attack is about to connect for a stylish emergency evasion.
The timing is make-or-break: too early and you’re just a vulnerable Tarnished on the ground; too late and you’re still on horseback taking full damage.
This technique is a lifesaver against those massive field bosses with wide, sweeping attacks or when that dragon decides to dive-bomb you while you’re peacefully exploring.
Consider it your emergency ejection seat for those “oh no” moments in the open world.

Pro Tips for Dodge Mastery

Here’s the secret sauce: These aren’t just tips—they’re the difference between repeatedly hitting that respawn point and actually making progress in your journey.

Study Your Enemy

Every foe has tells more obvious than a poker player with hiccups. Learn them.
Those fancy pre-attack animations aren’t just for show—they’re your cue to prepare your timing.

Conquer Panic Rolling

The dodge button is not a panic button, despite what your instincts tell you.
Each roll should be deliberate, like a dancer’s step, not a terrified scramble.

Stamina: Your Dodge Fuel

No stamina = no dodging = sad Tarnished.
The Green Turtle Talisman isn’t just a cute accessory—it’s your best friend for stamina management.

The Fashion vs. Function Dilemma

Sure, that massive armor set looks intimidating, but can you dodge in it?
Start light while learning enemy patterns, then gradually add armor as your confidence grows.

The Strategic Jump

When you see that ground sweep coming, don’t roll—jump!
Bonus points if you convert your evasive jump into a plunging attack.

Boss Practice Makes Perfect

There’s no better dodging teacher than a relentless boss determined to end your existence.
Focus on perfecting your timing against specific attacks rather than just trying to survive.

Dodging Myths Debunked

Hold up a minute: Before you roll away with your newfound knowledge, let’s clear up some common misconceptions that might be holding back your dodge game.

“I Must Dodge Everything!”

False! Sometimes blocking or parrying is actually the smarter move. Shocking, I know.

“Dodging Is About Creating Distance!”

Not always. Often, the best dodge leaves you close enough to counter-attack, not running away like the enemy has bad breath.

“More Endurance Means Better Dodging!”

Half-truth. While more stamina lets you dodge more times, it doesn’t improve your i-frames or roll distance. Those are tied to your equip load, not your endurance stat.

“Light Rolling Is Always Better!”

Not necessarily. While light rolling gives you more distance, the actual i-frames are nearly identical to medium rolls. The recovery time is better, but don’t respec your entire character just for slightly faster rolls.

“Dodging Later Is Always Better!”

Situational. While delaying dodges helps against roll-catchers, some attacks actually require early dodges, especially multi-hit combos or area-of-effect spells. Learning proper timing for each attack type is more important than following a universal rule.

Conclusion: Roll With It

Dodging in Elden Ring isn’t just about surviving—it’s about looking good while doing it. With practice, patience, and perhaps a few (hundred) deaths, you’ll transform from a clumsy roll-spammer into a graceful dance partner with Death itself. Remember that every failed dodge teaches you something… usually that you should have dodged a split second later.

So embrace the roll, time those i-frames, and show the bosses of the Lands Between that they can’t hit what they can’t touch. Happy rolling, Tarnished!

If you found this guide helpful, you may want to check out our other Guides & Tips for even more useful information about surviving in the Lands Between.