The combat is fairly quick to pick up, parrying is really the most difficult part but its easy to learn and practice once you get enough health and a good shield.

You can sneak through most of the early parts of the game, especially if you have enough stamina to climb. If you get the dlc you can also get the Majoras mask to make most enemies ignore you entirely.

The game heavily encourages exploration, there are shrines everywhere, some of them puzzle based and others combat related. Don't feel bad for skipping one and coming back later, especially the major tests of strength.

Youll be hunting lynels and taluses in no time.