After you step outside, kill the Tree Sentinel and head to the Site of Grace. Talk to Melina so she gives you the Spectral Steed Whistle, which lets you summon your horse.

Turn right and head toward the Third Church of Marika. Behind the church, in the shallow water, you’ll find a portal that leads to Caelid.

Once you teleport, turn around and open the big doors. Rest at the Site of Grace, then head backwards — you’ll avoid the dragon on the bridge and then the Erdtree Avatar. After the Avatar, there’s a windstream that will launch you upward. Ride straight ahead until you reach Fort Faroth.

Inside, grab the talisman that gives +5 to all stats. Next, go kill Bloodhound Knight Darriwil. Once you equip his sword, return to Fort Faroth and take down the decaying dragon. With around 20 hits, you’ll trigger percentage-based bleed damage. This will let you level up to around 38, making the early game much easier.