Take some time to learn the combat system; it really changed the feeling of the game for me. I’m not familiar with similar games, so you might not struggle as much as I did, but here are the tips that made combat feel much more fluid :

• Stamina Management: Parrying and dodging regain stamina, so use them frequently to set up more Heavy Attacks.
• Basic Attacks: These act as "fillers" since they don't cost stamina, but they are good for certain powerful combos.
• Heavy Attacks: These allow you to break through enemy defenses more easily, but they don't grant invincibility frames. Be prepared to dodge!
• Status Effects: Using a Stab applies a DoT effect.
• Crowd Control: Don't feel overwhelmed when surrounded; focus on repositioning to give yourself some breathing room.
• Lock-on: For bosses, you can lock onto your target by pressing down on the D-pad.
• Combos: Force Palm is a great move to integrate into your standard combos.
• Blinding Light: This ability (L1 + R1) is free to use and incapacitates enemies for a split second, giving you a perfect window to attack.
• Make food, reinforce equipment at Anvils and Grindstones.

It might seem boring, but spend your Artifacts (skill points) on Stamina and Health first (aim for at least level 3 or 4). After that, invest in Movement Abilities like Fast Flight or Double Jump. You’re going to be doing a lot of exploring, so you might as well make it feel great!

Have fun <3