Is Medium Roll Bad in Dark Souls? A Definitive Guide

The question of whether a medium roll is “bad” in Dark Souls is a classic debate amongst players. The short answer is: it depends on your playstyle and build, but generally, yes, it’s considered suboptimal, especially in PvP. While not universally terrible, the medium roll’s shortcomings compared to a fast roll often make it a less desirable choice for experienced players seeking maximum efficiency. It can be perfectly viable for a more casual playthrough, but in demanding situations, it will likely hold you back.

Understanding Roll Mechanics in Dark Souls

Before we dive into the specifics of the medium roll, let’s quickly recap the roll mechanics in the original Dark Souls. Your roll type—fast, medium, or fat roll—is determined by your equipment load, which is the total weight of your equipped items compared to your maximum equipment load. This maximum is primarily governed by your Endurance stat.

• Fast Roll (Under 25% Equip Load): Offers the most invincibility frames (i-frames), allowing you to dodge through attacks with greater ease. It also boasts the fastest recovery time, letting you attack or reposition quicker.
• Medium Roll (25.1% – 50% Equip Load): Provides fewer i-frames than the fast roll and a noticeably slower recovery time. This makes you more vulnerable after rolling.
• Fat Roll (Over 50% Equip Load): The slowest roll with the fewest i-frames and the longest recovery. Generally avoided by most players except for very specific meme builds.

Why the Medium Roll is Often Considered “Bad”

The primary issue with the medium roll is that it sits in an awkward middle ground. It doesn’t offer the invincibility and responsiveness of the fast roll, nor does it provide the significant armor advantages that would justify its slower speed. This means you’re essentially sacrificing mobility and invincibility without gaining a substantial defensive benefit.

PvP Disadvantages

In PvP, the disadvantages of the medium roll are amplified. The reduced i-frames make it harder to dodge attacks, and the slower recovery leaves you more vulnerable to follow-up attacks and backstabs. A skilled player using a fast roll can easily punish a medium roll user’s predictable movements and longer recovery times. The small windows of opportunity are critical, and the medium roll hinders reaction speed.

PvE Considerations

In PvE, the situation is more nuanced. While a fast roll is still generally preferred, the medium roll can be viable, especially early in the game before you have sufficient Endurance to comfortably fast roll with your desired equipment. Certain enemy attacks are also telegraphed enough that the reduced i-frames aren’t as detrimental. However, as you progress and face faster, more aggressive enemies and bosses, the limitations of the medium roll become more apparent. Playing unlocked and maintaining distance can mitigate some of the disadvantages, but you’re still at a disadvantage compared to a fast roller.

Trade-Offs and Build Considerations

Some players opt for a medium roll to prioritize armor and defense. However, the amount of damage mitigation gained by wearing heavier armor rarely justifies the loss of mobility. Often, it’s more effective to focus on dodging attacks altogether rather than relying on armor to absorb damage. Certain builds, like those focusing heavily on poise and weapon swapping, might find the medium roll acceptable, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Maximizing Your Roll

• Prioritize Endurance: Leveling Endurance increases your maximum equipment load, allowing you to wear heavier armor while still maintaining a fast roll.
• Lighten Your Load: Consider using lighter armor pieces and weapons to reduce your equipment load. Don’t be afraid to swap out gear based on the situation.
• Havel’s Ring and Ring of Favor and Protection: These rings significantly increase your maximum equipment load, making it easier to fast roll with heavier gear. However, be aware that the Ring of Favor and Protection breaks if removed.

Ultimately, It’s About Playstyle

While a fast roll is generally considered optimal, Dark Souls allows for a variety of playstyles. If you find the medium roll comfortable and are successful with it, there’s no reason to force yourself to conform to the meta. However, understanding the limitations of the medium roll and how it compares to the fast roll is crucial for making informed decisions about your build and playstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What percentage is medium roll Dark Souls?

The medium roll is achieved when your equipment load is between 25.1% and 50% of your maximum equipment load. Anything above 50% results in a fat roll.

2. What is the difference between fast roll and medium roll in Dark Souls?

The primary differences are the number of invincibility frames (i-frames) during the roll animation and the recovery time after the roll. Fast rolls have more i-frames and faster recovery, making them safer and more responsive. Medium rolls have fewer i-frames and slower recovery, leaving you more vulnerable.

3. Why do I roll so slow in Dark Souls 1?

You’re likely fat rolling. Check your equip load on the status screen. If you’re over 50% of your max load, you’ll fat roll. Increase your Endurance stat to increase your max load, or wear lighter armor.

4. Is it easier to Parry in Dark Souls 1?

Many players find parrying easier in Dark Souls 1 compared to later entries in the series. The timing windows seem more forgiving.

5. Should I shield or roll Dark Souls?

It depends on the situation. A good shield with high stability is great for blocking predictable attacks and conserving stamina. However, for large, powerful attacks that would break your guard, a well-timed roll is preferable.

6. How important is fast roll Dark Souls?

Fast roll is incredibly important. It provides significantly more invincibility frames and faster recovery, allowing you to dodge attacks more effectively and punish enemies. It’s generally considered the optimal roll type.

7. How do you stop heavy rolling in Dark Souls?

Remove armor and weapons until your equipment load is below 50% of your maximum. Level up Endurance, use rings that boost equip load, or choose lighter gear.

8. What is the optimal starting class Dark Souls?

Pyromancer is a popular choice for new players. They start at level 1 and have access to powerful offensive magic early on. However, all classes are viable, so choose one that suits your preferred playstyle.

9. What is the average level finish Dark Souls?

Most players finish their first playthrough between levels 60-75. However, you can complete the game at any level if you’re skilled enough.

10. Is DSR (Dark Souls Remastered) harder than Elden Ring?

Elden Ring generally has more challenging bosses overall, though individual experiences may vary.

11. What is the most important stat in DS1?

Vitality is arguably the most important stat, as it directly increases your HP. More HP means more survivability, which is crucial for beginners. Endurance is also crucial for the reasons highlighted earlier.

12. Should you use boss souls DS1?

It’s highly recommended to use boss souls to create unique weapons and spells. They offer powerful options that can significantly enhance your build.

13. Is it hard to parry in Dark Souls?

Parrying requires precise timing and can be risky. However, it’s a valuable skill that can trivialize certain encounters. Practice makes perfect.

14. Should you fight every enemy in Dark Souls?

You don’t need to kill every enemy, but it’s often beneficial to clear areas for souls and item drops. Assess the risk and reward of each encounter.

15. Is Dark Souls really the hardest game?

That’s subjective. Dark Souls is known for its challenging difficulty and unforgiving gameplay, but whether it’s the “hardest” depends on individual skill and preferences. There are plenty of other notoriously difficult games out there. Check out the Games Learning Society to understand the design and psychology behind difficulty in video games: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They have tons of great information and can help you understand the nuances involved in game design.