When to Roll in Dark Souls: A Masterclass in Evasion

The question, “When to roll in Dark Souls?” seems simple, but mastering the art of the dodge is what separates a novice from a true Ashen One. Rolling isn’t just about avoiding damage; it’s about positioning, timing, and understanding enemy attack patterns. Rolling effectively in Dark Souls means knowing when to commit, when to stay put, and when to rely on other defensive options.

The Core Principle: Invincibility Frames (I-Frames)

At its heart, rolling in Dark Souls is about exploiting invincibility frames, or i-frames. These brief moments of invulnerability occur during the roll animation, allowing you to phase through enemy attacks without taking damage. However, i-frames aren’t active for the entire duration of the roll, so timing is everything.

Understanding Roll Types

The crucial aspect affecting your i-frames and roll distance is your equipment load. Dark Souls features three distinct roll types:

• Fast Roll: Achieved when your equipment load is below 25% of your maximum. This offers the most i-frames, the furthest roll distance, and the fastest recovery time. It’s the gold standard for aggressive, mobile playstyles.
• Mid Roll: Occurs when your equipment load is between 25% and 50% of your maximum. It offers a decent balance between protection and mobility, with fewer i-frames and a shorter roll distance than the fast roll.
• Fat Roll: Triggered when your equipment load exceeds 50% of your maximum. This offers the fewest i-frames, a very short roll distance, and a painfully slow recovery time. It’s generally considered a liability and should be avoided.

Mastering the Timing

Knowing you have i-frames is one thing, but mastering the timing is another entirely. The key is to roll into the attack, not away from it. This means initiating your roll just before the enemy’s weapon connects. This requires studying enemy attack animations and learning their timing. The exact timing will change depending on your equipment load, with fast rolls generally having more forgiving windows than mid-rolls.

Reading Enemy Attacks

The best way to improve your rolling is to carefully observe enemies. Watch their movements, anticipate their attacks, and learn the specific “tells” that indicate an incoming strike. Do they rear back? Do they shift their weight? Do they telegraph the attack with a specific weapon movement? Learn these cues, and you’ll be able to anticipate and evade attacks with greater precision.

Prioritizing Key Moments

While you might be able to dodge most attacks, there are certain situations where rolling becomes absolutely critical:

• Boss Attacks: Bosses often have powerful, sweeping attacks that are difficult to block or outrun. Rolling through these attacks is often the only way to survive.
• AoE (Area of Effect) Attacks: Attacks that cover a wide area, such as fire breath or explosions, are best avoided with a well-timed roll.
• Grab Attacks: Grab attacks usually have very limited tracking, making them easy to roll away from if you react quickly. Being grabbed is often a death sentence.

When Not to Roll

Rolling isn’t a universal solution. There are situations where other defensive options are preferable:

• Shields: If you have a shield with high stability, blocking is often a better option, especially against weaker attacks. Blocking conserves stamina, allowing you to attack more frequently.
• Parrying: For certain enemies, parrying is a highly effective (and stylish) way to deflect attacks and create an opening for a riposte. However, parrying requires precise timing and carries a high risk if you miss.
• Spacing: Sometimes, simply creating distance between yourself and the enemy is the best defense. Backpedaling or running away can be effective against certain attacks.

Advanced Rolling Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with advanced rolling techniques:

• Directional Rolling: Rolling in different directions can help you avoid attacks more effectively and reposition yourself for counterattacks.
• Roll Catching: Experienced players will try to “roll catch” you by timing their attacks to hit you at the end of your roll animation. Be aware of this and vary your rolling patterns to avoid becoming predictable.
• Stamina Management: Rolling consumes stamina, so you need to manage your stamina carefully. Don’t roll unnecessarily, and be aware of how much stamina you have left before committing to an attack.

Ultimately, the best time to roll in Dark Souls is just before an enemy attack connects, while considering your equipment load and enemy attack patterns. It’s a skill that requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Embrace the challenge, and you’ll become a master of evasion. Consider exploring the educational aspects of games and learning more about the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rolling in Dark Souls

1. Is mid rolling bad in Dark Souls 1?

Mid rolling isn’t inherently bad, but it’s less optimal than fast rolling. You have fewer i-frames and a shorter roll distance. Many players complete the game with a mid-roll, but if you want maximum mobility and survivability, aim for fast rolling.

2. Why do you roll in Dark Souls?

Rolling provides i-frames, brief moments of invincibility, allowing you to avoid damage from enemy attacks. It’s a fundamental defensive mechanic in Dark Souls.

3. Why do I roll slow in Dark Souls?

Your roll speed is determined by your equipment load. If you’re rolling slowly (fat rolling), you’re carrying too much weight. Reduce your equipment load to below 50% for a mid-roll or below 25% for a fast roll.

4. Should I shield or roll in Dark Souls?

It depends on the situation. A good shield is excellent for blocking weaker attacks and conserving stamina. Rolling is better for avoiding powerful attacks that would break your guard or against enemies with shield-piercing attacks.

5. How do I get more i-frames in Dark Souls?

The primary factor affecting your i-frames is your equipment load, and, by extension, the type of roll you are doing. Fast rolls grant more i-frames than mid or fat rolls.

6. Can I increase my i-frames directly through stats or equipment?

No, in Dark Souls 1, you cannot directly increase i-frames through stats or equipment. Only your equip load affects them.

7. How does stamina affect rolling?

Each roll consumes stamina. If you run out of stamina, you’ll be unable to roll, leaving you vulnerable to attacks. Manage your stamina carefully and avoid rolling unnecessarily.

8. Is rolling the only way to avoid damage in Dark Souls?

No, other defensive options include blocking with a shield, parrying, and creating distance from enemies.

9. What’s the best direction to roll?

The best direction to roll depends on the enemy’s attack. Generally, rolling into the attack (towards the enemy) is better than rolling away from it, as it positions you closer for a counterattack.

10. How important is endurance (END) for rolling?

Endurance is crucial for rolling. It increases your stamina, allowing you to roll more frequently, and it increases your maximum equipment load, making it easier to achieve a fast roll.

11. Can all attacks be rolled through?

While most attacks can be rolled through, some grab attacks and certain special attacks are difficult or impossible to dodge with a standard roll. Some attacks may also require precise timing or directional rolling.

12. Does armor affect my ability to roll?

Yes, the weight of your armor contributes to your equipment load, which directly impacts your roll speed and i-frames.

13. How do I practice rolling effectively?

The best way to practice rolling is to fight enemies repeatedly and focus on dodging their attacks. Start with easier enemies and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones. Pay attention to their attack animations and learn the timing of your rolls.

14. Is there a specific item or ring that helps with rolling?

The Dark Wood Grain Ring grants ninja flips when your equipment load is below 25%.

15. What is roll-canceling, and is it possible in Dark Souls 1?

Roll-canceling refers to interrupting the roll animation to perform another action, such as attacking. While not as prevalent as in some other Souls games, certain forms of animation canceling are possible in Dark Souls 1, though they are generally more advanced techniques.