Elden Ring presents a unique challenge compared to previous games, especially when facing its formidable bosses. It’s evident from the first encounter that the design philosophy behind boss attacks has shifted, creating both compelling and, at times, frustrating experiences. This evolution is largely centered around how attacks are crafted in relation to player actions, most notably with moves like the infamous Waterfowl Dance.
In earlier titles, boss encounters often involved telegraphed attacks with clear openings for players to exploit through dodging or strafing. The approach felt more straightforward. However, Elden Ring distinguishes itself by designing a significant portion of enemy attacks, including the waterfowl dance, to directly respond to player parameters. Attack range, speed, timing, and hitbox arcs are meticulously calculated to specifically catch rolls. This design often dictates a very precise direction or timing for evasion, moving away from the more general dodge strategies that were effective in previous games.
This shift results in Elden Ring demanding more trial and error. Successfully avoiding complex sequences like the waterfowl dance often requires repeated attempts or external learning from other players. Discovering the optimal strategy to cleanly defeat bosses, without resorting to overpowered builds, becomes a significant part of the challenge and player progression.
For PC players, modifications offer a distinct advantage. They can readily practice against any boss phase, repeatedly facing attacks like the waterfowl dance without penalty, allowing for deep analysis and strategy development. This capability accelerates the learning curve, making the process of understanding and countering intricate moves like the waterfowl dance less arduous compared to console players who face full punishment with each misstep when trying to decipher these attacks for the first time.
