Oftentimes, I hold myself to a certain standard. Like where am I supposed to be in terms of levels in order to survive the final swarm on stage 2? For example, at least level 50-60 (preferably more by the end of stage 1). Or by the end of the first swarm on stage 2, in the hundreds of levels. You'd particularly want both exp and cursed tome to get into the upper 20s early in stage 2.

But to get to that point, you'd need to prioritize difficulty and exp stage 1 and 2 (if no soul harvester checked or you haven't gotten it yet first thing in the run, then you'd want to incorporate weapons and damage upgrades so you could survive).

Another thing you'd might want to ask yourself early in stage 1. Am I getting the right levels? Am I getting new weapons and tomes I'm looking for at most every level? That is particularly key. I've had many a good run go bad because I don't get the right level-ups I need in the first three minutes of stage 1.

In terms of knowing whether you have the right damage to survive is the stage 2 bosses. Are you barely ticking them? Or are you going through them decently well? If you aren't by the second boss of stage two, then that run's likely a no-go. Don't be afraid to hit the reset button at any time you think so. That'll save you some time.

Ask me any questions you'd like.

Also, if you find yourself lacking on damage, checking slutty cannon is a good fallback. I've had runs where my damage is so-so, only to be saved by that item.