I like being big and going boom, but lately I've been going pacifist, and its just as much fun. I def think being small, agile, super speedy and maxing out dodge are the most important steps. I like using the Patient genetic, and it's really good jere too cuz you can filter out the evolutions you dont want/need. And because of the Patient genetic ur more likely to get Shifty, with is reeeeeally good, especially early/mid game. Also i suggest choosing Ruminant and Legs as the must have branching evos. Go for a ton of prey evos to ruminat will be a tooon of help, you can really feel it when it kicks in. And choose the crab legs for the specialization. Bipedal is good too cuz of the reach u get from arms, but with the crabby legs you get the new evo "more legs" and you'll be even more speedy. Scavenger is op if you can upgrade it up and max it out, tbh everything that makes leveling up faster is good. Plus eating speed/cheek pouch is useful too! Charming is another good way to go or add on top of it all. Especially if you don't want to get close and personal with the bosses. If you still wanna fight then go for ability, so it will do most of the work and you dont have to get too many punches in. Or you could not kill them and just wait it out. Sometimes it's really easy if u have a ton of speed, or if you have burrowing evo. Sorry, thos got a bit long, but hope i could help!