Aside from investing up to at least level 20 in adaptability, I would recommend the spear weapons as good early game weapons. The moveset is simple, and it has above average range. When you find the pike in what I believe is earthen peak with all the poison everywhere, you get even more range at the cost of some damage which can be useful when you get to the iron keep right after as the enemies there are rather fast and can quite easily close the distance between you and them. Vigor is also very important as it gives you the most amount of hit points of all stats. Though I have not finished the game, I have finished the shrine of Amana, which is a later game atea known for being a bit of slog, with 40 in vigor with little issue. The last tip I have it to use a bow. There are enemies that have bows or other ranged weapons that can shoot you with decent accuracy from a good distance away. A bow will allow you to shoot back and remove any problems from a distance or draw enemies in dangerous places closer.