Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed action RPG, has quickly become a beloved title in the gaming community. Its expansive world, intricate lore, and difficult but rewarding combat mechanics create an experience like no other. One of the most vital mechanics players must master to survive the harsh world of the Elden Ring Runes Lands Between is the I-Frames system, or invincibility frames. This mechanic allows players to avoid damage during combat, especially during the crucial moments of dodging, and understanding it can make the difference between victory and defeat. As we approach the release of the Elden Ring DLC, it's essential to take a deeper dive into how I-Frames work, how they interact with various attack types, and some lesser-known methods to utilize them effectively.

What Are I-Frames in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, I-Frames, short for "invincibility frames," refer to specific moments during a dodge animation when a player’s character is temporarily immune to damage. The timing of these I-Frames is crucial; if you can dodge at the right moment, you will phase through an incoming attack without taking any damage. However, the window of invulnerability is short and varies depending on the roll type you choose. Mastering this mechanic is not just about dodging but understanding how to time your rolls to maximize survivability, particularly when facing powerful bosses or numerous enemies.

The I-Frames system is tied directly to your character’s equipment load, which influences the type of roll you can perform: Fast Roll, Medium Roll, or Heavy Roll. Each roll type has its own characteristics and associated I-Frames, which are pivotal for evasion-based combat strategies.

Types of Rolls and Their Impact on I-Frames
The effectiveness of your I-Frames depends on your equipment load, which is determined by the weight of your armor, weapons, and other gear. Your equipment load will dictate which roll type you have access to, and each roll offers a different number of invincibility frames. The three primary roll types in Elden Ring are:

1. Fast Roll
The Fast Roll is the most agile dodging option available, offering the most I-Frames. Players who equip lighter armor and weapons fall into this category, which allows them to dodge with the greatest speed and effectiveness. This roll is essential for players who prefer a nimble playstyle and require quick repositioning during combat. The Fast Roll grants players a greater number of invincibility frames, making it especially useful when facing enemies with fast or complex attack patterns.

Advantages of Fast Roll:

Maximum I-Frames for dodging
Great mobility and repositioning capabilities
Ideal for avoiding quick and continuous attacks, particularly from faster enemies
Disadvantages of Fast Roll:

Lower defense due to lighter armor, meaning players may take more damage if they fail to dodge in time
2. Medium Roll
The Medium Roll offers a balance between speed and defense. Players who opt for a more balanced build, equipping a moderate amount of armor while maintaining some agility, will be able to perform the Medium Roll. This roll offers a reasonable number of I-Frames and is suitable for players who want both mobility and protection. The Medium Roll isn’t as fast as the Fast Roll, but it still provides adequate dodging abilities, especially when facing enemies that require more careful positioning.

Advantages of Medium Roll:

Balanced mobility and moderate I-Frames
Some armor protection while still being agile enough to dodge most attacks
Suitable for players who want a versatile combat approach
Disadvantages of Medium Roll:

Fewer I-Frames than the Fast Roll, making timing more important
Slower than the Fast Roll, requiring more precise dodging
3. Heavy Roll
The Heavy Roll is the least agile option but offers the greatest defense, thanks to the heavier armor. Players who equip high-weight armor and weapons fall into this category. The Heavy Roll has the fewest I-Frames, meaning it’s more difficult to avoid attacks. However, the tradeoff is that the armor provides significant protection, allowing players to absorb more damage before being incapacitated.

Advantages of Heavy Roll:

High defense against enemy attacks
Able to withstand more damage without being staggered or knocked down
Disadvantages of Heavy Roll:

Fewest I-Frames, making dodging much more difficult, especially against fast or aggressive enemies
Slower movement, requiring players to position carefully and dodge at the right moment
The Importance of Timing and Enemy Attack Patterns
While the number of I-Frames is important, timing is equally crucial. A well-timed roll can make the difference between dodging an attack or taking devastating damage. Players need to learn the attack patterns of enemies to effectively use their I-Frames. Recognizing visual or auditory cues, such as the enemy winding up for a heavy attack or the sound of a spell being cast, allows players to anticipate when to dodge.

Timing your dodges requires careful practice. For example, bosses often have a distinctive pattern of attacks, with specific animations signaling when to roll. Watching and learning enemy animations is key to survival, as enemies that can stagger you or inflict status effects like poison or bleed require more strategic dodging.

Tip: Study enemy attack animations: Most enemies telegraph their most powerful strikes with a visible wind-up or glow. Timing your dodge during the wind-up will grant you the maximum I-Frames, helping you evade the attack entirely.
Torrent and Dismounting: A Lesser-Known Way to Utilize I-Frames
While dodging is the primary method of gaining invincibility frames, Elden Ring offers another interesting mechanic that grants players I-Frames: dismounting from Torrent, the spectral steed. Riding Torrent allows players to navigate the vast open world more efficiently, but it also provides a unique way to gain invincibility during combat.

When players dismount from Torrent, they enter a brief period of invincibility, allowing them to avoid damage while repositioning themselves. This mechanic can be especially useful in chaotic boss fights or when surrounded by numerous enemies. However, it’s important to note that the I-Frames granted during dismounting are short-lived, so players need to act quickly.

Tip: Use the dismount I-Frames to avoid incoming attacks while positioning for a counterattack. This can be especially useful against bosses with high burst damage or AoE (Area of Effect) attacks that cover wide areas.
DLC Expansion: New Challenges and Enhanced I-Frames Mechanics
As Elden Ring continues to expand with its upcoming DLC, players will face even more challenging enemies and complex attack patterns. These changes will demand an even greater understanding of how to effectively use I-Frames.

New Bosses: Many of the new bosses introduced in the DLC may have attack patterns designed to counteract dodging, such as delayed strikes, tracking attacks, or AoE damage that hits in multiple phases. This will test players’ ability to maximize their I-Frames, especially when dodging through highly dynamic combat sequences.

New Equipment: The DLC will likely introduce new armor sets and weapons, which may alter or enhance how I-Frames function. Lighter armor may offer increased I-Frames, while heavier sets may come with new abilities that help players tank more damage while still evading.

Environmental Changes: Players can use the environment to their advantage. Dodging behind rocks, trees, or ruins can provide temporary cover during combat. This is especially useful when you need to avoid attacks but can’t rely on dodging alone.

Combat Strategies for the DLC
In the upcoming DLC, it’s essential to refine your dodging and positioning. Here are a few key strategies to consider:

Adapt Your Build: Depending on the types of enemies and bosses you encounter, you may want to adjust your equipment load. A light armor build with Fast Roll can help you evade fast-moving enemies, while a medium build may be better for more methodical combat.

Utilize the Terrain: Always be mindful of your environment. Dodging behind objects or using high ground can provide additional opportunities to avoid damage and catch your breath.

Cooperative Play: In multiplayer, players can work together to distract enemies and create openings. One player can engage the enemy while others take advantage of I-Frames to launch coordinated attacks.

Conclusion
I-Frames are an essential mechanic in Elden Ring, allowing players to avoid damage during critical moments of combat. Whether you’re utilizing the Fast, Medium, or Heavy Roll, mastering the timing of your dodges can greatly improve your chances of survival, especially in the face of powerful enemies and bosses. With the upcoming DLC expanding the complexity of enemy attack patterns and introducing new gameplay elements, understanding how to use I-Frames will be more important than ever.

By refining your combat strategies, building your character to suit your preferred playstyle, and mastering the art of dodging, you can gain a significant advantage in the ever-challenging world of Elden Ring. Stay ahead of the curve and strengthen your journey with MMOEXP's Elden Ring Items buy and Items, ensuring you're prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead in the Lands Between.