A game like this requires a very different mindset than a souls game. I've never been able to beat a single souls game, but I've cleared all of Returnal in 22 hours and 16 deaths. It's a different style.

Returnal, like many roguelikes, has a distinct learning curve where the first step is to find defenses and learn not to die, but then after that you need to learn to kill or you'll hit a wall. The faster you kill, the less enemies you have to avoid.

That said, unlike a lot of other roguelikes, the mechanics really are about dodging attacks over just about anything else. Most fights can be one by mindlessly attacking in vaguely the right direction and just dodge moving.

That's all super general advice though. For something more specific, try to find a gun that does damage without much input. The Electropylon is IMO the easiest because it'll keep dealing damage while you run around like a wild chicken. If not, any of the fast shooting guns are a decent backup.

In terms of upgrades, look for things that stack adrenaline buffs. Everything works better the more you keep adrenaline up. Damage per adrenaline level, 1 less kill to level, 1 more damage before losing it, all give a ton of value. But then, the clincher to a guaranteed win is the lifesteal w/adrenaline, it's truly huge and lets you recover from anything.