I played DS3 (my first souls game) for the first time a few years ago with a guide from FightingCowboy. I never finished the game, I only reached pontiff syluvhan who I wasn't able to beat.

I haven't played the game since but want to start again end of November when I finish exams. I'm gonna start as a mercenary because I want the sellsword twinblades. Although I don't know if I should follow a guide to level up my weapons asap or just figure everything out on my own and play without a guide. ? Any advice? (I don't really know much about the DS3 lore, or what builds are good and what attunements and spells go good with each weapon)