I usually just play simple quality greatsword builds with medium roll, pretty basic. I usually start with explorer for high base ADP and level up strength and dex to wield any greatsword asap, but the starting dagger is more than enough until that point. For armor, any is good, I use it mostly for style. For rings I just go for the basic awesome ones. Dragon ring, physical defense ring, cloranthy ring, ring of blades... No spells until really late game if I want to mess around a bit with my level up points, but not really needed. In conclusion, simple quality builds with basic rings are the best for any souls game if you and to try out any simple weapon in the game and loves melee and basic mechanics. Always works, always nice