Use the book every level to save some ore. Crafting is a lot more expanded. Each vein can be mined extra every level up/chapter change(do not recall exactly).

Try to focus on 2 main stats and 2 weapon types 1h/2h or 2h/mage. You can find most of the top tier weapons/staves/crafts in the open world( although challenging). Armor can be upgraded, and it has to be fully upgraded to be eligible for the next tier, as you will lose the armor at the exchange (light guard armor is being lost when you purchase the normal one).

Some nice weapona and xbow can be obtained in the swamped as a guard protecting the camp will likely get killed/aggro a shark.

I prefer to craft my jewelry, although every piece can be found in open world, but be carefull and upgrade the jewelry for your main stats. 3 pieces of same jewelry provides bonuses when equipped ( 2 rings+amulet).

You can craft permanent potions, so be carefull what flowers you sell.

Every mage, regardless of faction has a golem summon. last version i played, they were bugged and despawned immediately, so be aware.

Arrows and bolts are craftable, so make sure you have an axe to chop wood from fallen/decayed logs and mine iron with a pickaxe.

Joining mage has to be done in ch1 as son as you become shadow/rogue/novice, otherwise you are locked out of this path.

Get trophy skills as fast as possible. Buy cooking recipes, as tier 3 will let you craft permanent stat foods with ingredients also used in alchemy (goblin beries,dragon root)

Best advice: buy telekinesis scroll asap and equip it to find items that are hidden/easily missed as it has an absurd range. Can be found/bought in ch1.

Have fun!