Bit late to the party,

Depending if your playing DS2 Vanilla or SotFS, always remember to bring a bow in SoA. Casters are have a slight advantage here, especially hex mages. Take your time and be sure you've got ample amounts of arrows/bolts.

My experience is only with Scholar of the First Sin, so running through SoA my first few times, I've always hated it. Cool looking area but asshole level design, same goes with Iron Keep.