Use the Spacebar to Roll and Dodge Incoming Attacks
In Arc Raiders, rolling is your main way to avoid damage and reposition during combat. Press the spacebar to perform a roll in the direction you are currently moving. If you are standing still and press spacebar, your character will roll backward. Rolling takes about one second and puts you briefly out of harm's way while enemies are firing.
You can roll multiple times in succession, but each roll consumes stamina. Once your stamina bar (shown at the bottom of your screen) runs out, you will need to wait a few seconds for it to refill before rolling again. Plan your rolls carefully in tough fights so you do not get caught without stamina when you need to dodge.
Key Takeaways
- Press spacebar to roll in the direction you are moving, or backward if you are standing still.
- Each roll uses stamina, and you cannot roll again until your stamina regenerates after a few seconds.
- Rolling is faster than running away and gives you a brief moment of invulnerability while the animation plays.
- Combine rolling with cover and weapon fire to survive longer in combat encounters.
- Practice rolling toward enemies rather than always away—it confuses their aim and lets you close distance for shotgun or melee attacks.
Timing Your Roll to Avoid Specific Enemy Attacks
Different enemies telegraph their attacks in different ways. Heavies and bosses wind up before firing large projectiles or beam attacks—watch for the glowing charge-up and roll sideways just before the attack launches. Smaller enemies fire in bursts, so roll after every two or three shots rather than rolling constantly.
The invulnerability window during a roll lasts about 0.5 seconds, roughly the middle of the animation. Rolling too early or too late will not save you. If you see an enemy aiming at you, wait until the last moment before rolling perpendicular to their line of fire. Rolling toward them is riskier but closes the gap faster if you are using a close-range weapon.
Managing Stamina So You Always Have a Roll Available
Stamina regenerates on its own when you stop rolling and sprinting. Do not burn all your stamina rolling in one direction—instead, roll twice, then walk or strafe for two seconds to let stamina come back. This rhythm keeps you mobile while ensuring you always have at least one roll left if a surprise attack comes.
Some weapons and abilities drain stamina faster than rolling does. Sprinting (hold Shift) burns stamina quickly, so use it only to reach cover or escape a bad position, not to chase enemies. If you are low on stamina, stop moving and let it refill while you aim and fire from behind cover.
Rolling Behind Cover and Using Terrain
Rolling works best when you have cover nearby. Roll toward a wall, crate, or pillar so that after your roll animation ends, you are already behind something that blocks incoming fire. This gives you time to reload, heal, or plan your next move without taking damage.
Terrain matters too. Rolling into a corner or behind a doorway limits the angles enemies can shoot from. Rolling into open ground leaves you exposed once the invulnerability ends. Always roll with a destination in mind—either toward cover or toward a position where you can return fire safely.
Common Mistakes That Get You Killed
Rolling in a straight line away from enemies is predictable and often does not put enough distance between you and their fire. Instead, roll sideways or at angles so enemies cannot track your movement. Rolling backward into a wall or obstacle will trap you—always check your surroundings before rolling.
Rolling too early wastes your invulnerability window. If you roll the moment you see an enemy, you will be vulnerable again by the time their attack actually lands. Wait until the last safe moment, then roll. Rolling with no stamina left leaves you stuck in the animation and unable to dodge a follow-up attack, so always keep one roll in reserve during active combat.
Combining Rolls With Weapon Swaps and Abilities
You cannot fire or use abilities while rolling, so plan your timing. Roll to dodge, then when ready switch to your shotgun or ability if you need close-range damage. Rolling gives you a one-second window to reposition—use that time to move to a better angle rather than just surviving the attack.
Some abilities have cooldowns that are separate from stamina. You can roll while waiting for an ability to recharge, so use rolls to stay alive and mobile while your powerful moves come back online. Chain rolls and ability casts together: roll to avoid fire, cast a grenade or shield ability, then roll again if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I roll off a cliff or into water?
Rolling does not change your momentum or trajectory—you will fall or enter water the same way you would if you walked off the edge. Rolling is purely for dodging attacks, not for moving across gaps or obstacles. Use the terrain carefully and do not rely on rolls to save you from environmental hazards.
Can I roll while aiming down sights?
No. You must release aim (right-click) before rolling. This is intentional—it forces you to choose between accuracy and mobility. In high-pressure moments, you will need to decide whether to stay aimed and risk getting hit, or break aim to roll to safety.
Does rolling faster if I press spacebar multiple times?
No. Pressing spacebar repeatedly does not speed up the roll or let you chain rolls without the stamina cost. Each roll takes the same time and uses the same stamina regardless of how fast you press the button. Mashing spacebar will only waste stamina faster.
Can teammates see me rolling, or does it only work for me?
All players see your rolls. Rolling is a visible action that other players watch in real time. Your teammates can see when you dodge and adjust their fire accordingly, so rolling also helps your team understand where you are moving and what you are doing next.
What is the difference between rolling and sprinting?
Sprinting (Shift) moves you faster but in a straight line and does not grant invulnerability. Rolling is slower but gives you a brief moment of invulnerability and lets you change direction mid-animation. Use sprinting to cover distance quickly, and rolling to dodge specific attacks.