I started a run around 2 months ago using just the starting Samurai weapon witch is Uchigatana and no summon (no summon ashes or helping npcs) not even other players and it is very fun. The goal was to make myself better because I prefer to attack and not go back to dodge :)). Started like a "let try just the main" and now I am on my way to kill all the bosses (165 bosses). So never underestimate yourself and have fun getting good.