How To Roll In Once Human: Mastering Movement and Avoiding Disaster
Once Human, the open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world teeming with aberrant creatures, demands more than just sharp shooting. Mastering movement is crucial for survival, and one of the most fundamental moves is the roll. This guide will break down how to roll effectively in Once Human, covering the basics, advanced techniques, and common pitfalls to avoid. Learn to dodge, reposition, and escape danger with ease.
The Basics: Executing a Roll
The roll in Once Human is your primary defensive maneuver. It allows you to quickly evade enemy attacks, reposition for a better angle, or simply cover ground faster. Here's the step-by-step:
Identify the Roll Key: The default key for rolling is [SPACEBAR] on PC. For console players, it's typically mapped to the [B] button on Xbox or the [Circle] button on PlayStation. You can always check and remap your controls in the settings menu if needed. Getting this right is the first step to mastering movement.
Directional Input: The direction of your roll is determined by the movement keys you are pressing (W, A, S, D on PC or the left stick on consoles). If you press 'W' and then the roll key, you'll roll forward. Pressing 'A' and the roll key will result in a roll to the left, and so on. Rolling without directional input results in a short hop in place.
Timing is Key: The roll has a brief invincibility window (i-frame) during the animation. This means that for a fraction of a second, you are immune to damage. The key to effective rolling is timing your roll to coincide with an enemy's attack. Don't just spam the roll button; anticipate the attack and roll just before it connects.
Stamina Management: Rolling consumes stamina. Watch your stamina bar closely. Running out of stamina leaves you vulnerable and unable to roll or sprint, making you an easy target. Conserve your stamina by only rolling when necessary and using other movement options like walking or crouching when appropriate.
Advanced Rolling Techniques: Beyond the Basics
Once you've mastered the basic roll, you can start incorporating advanced techniques to enhance your combat and exploration skills.
Roll Canceling: While not a true "cancel" in the traditional sense, you can quickly transition out of a roll into other actions like shooting or sprinting. This allows for more fluid and responsive movement. For example, roll to avoid an attack, then immediately aim and fire your weapon. Practice seamlessly transitioning between rolling and other actions to become a more agile and unpredictable target.
Directional Rolling for Positioning: Use directional rolling to strategically reposition yourself during combat. Rolling behind cover, flanking enemies, or creating distance are all viable tactics. Think about the battlefield and use your rolls to gain a tactical advantage.
Rolling Through Obstacles: While not always reliable, you can sometimes use a roll to squeeze through tight spaces or over small obstacles. This can be useful for escaping pursuers or finding shortcuts. Experiment with different angles and approaches to see what you can roll through.
Rolling to Interrupt Animations: Certain actions, like reloading or using a healing item, can leave you vulnerable. If you anticipate an attack, you can often use a roll to interrupt the animation and quickly evade danger. This requires quick reflexes and good awareness of your surroundings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Rolling
Even with practice, it's easy to fall into common traps when rolling. Here's what to avoid:
Stamina Starvation: As mentioned earlier, running out of stamina is a death sentence. Pay close attention to your stamina bar and avoid excessive rolling. Use stamina-boosting consumables or gear to increase your stamina pool and regeneration rate.
Predictable Rolling: Rolling in the same direction repeatedly makes you an easy target. Mix up your roll directions and timings to keep enemies guessing. Use the environment to your advantage and roll behind cover or into blind spots.
Rolling Into Danger: This seems obvious, but it's easy to do in the heat of the moment. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid rolling directly into enemy attacks or environmental hazards. Take a moment to assess the situation before rolling.
Relying Solely on Rolling: The roll is a powerful tool, but it's not a cure-all. Don't rely solely on rolling for defense. Use other movement options like sprinting, crouching, and strafing to create a more unpredictable movement pattern.
Ignoring Enemy Attack Patterns: Each enemy in Once Human has its own attack patterns and timings. Learn these patterns and adjust your rolling accordingly. Anticipate their attacks and roll just before they connect to maximize your i-frame window.
Optimizing Your Rolling Experience
Beyond mastering the techniques, you can further optimize your rolling experience through gear and character builds.
Gear with Stamina Bonuses: Look for armor and accessories that provide bonuses to stamina, stamina regeneration, or roll distance. These bonuses can significantly improve your survivability and mobility.
Talent Tree Specialization: Some talent trees may offer perks that enhance your rolling ability, such as increased i-frame duration or reduced stamina cost. Explore the talent trees and choose perks that complement your playstyle.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to master rolling is to practice. Spend time in the open world, fighting different types of enemies, and experimenting with different rolling techniques. The more you practice, the more instinctive your rolling will become.
Conclusion: Rolling Your Way to Survival
The roll is an essential skill in Once Human. By mastering the basics, incorporating advanced techniques, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve your survivability and combat effectiveness. Remember to manage your stamina, vary your roll directions, and learn enemy attack patterns. With practice and dedication, you'll be rolling your way to victory in the harsh and unforgiving world of Once Human. Now get out there and practice! Your survival depends on it.