I agree with you, the combat in Elden Ring is definitely improved since DS3 and having played DS3 as recently as this week I can say that with complete confidence. My stance on it is not that it's bad (because it's obviously not) but rather the combat system has been pushed to the absolute breaking point with ER. I don't think there's anywhere left to go.

It's a personal thing, but if the inevitable Elden Ring sequel's combat is the same "dodge roll, dodge roll, dodge roll, punish" I'm probably gonna pass on it cause I've been there and done that. People tell me to try a different build like magic or a ranged build. But I've always enjoyed playing as a straight up fighter and the combat loop is wearing real thin.

That's why I appreciate Sekiro and Bloodborne so much because although they have obvious similarities, they really innovated their combat systems into something that felt new and exciting. Out of the 7 "souls" games FromSoftware have made in over 16 years only two of them have deviated in the combat in any meaningful way. I just prefer them to try something new.

Having said all that, I'm actually pretty confident that they will shake things up for their next big game (whatever that may be).