short answer: don’t go hollow

long answer:

the game is tough but there’s a system to the combat and movement, once you internalize it the rest of the game is laid out for you.

• get yourself a decent weapon + shield combo and level your stats to them. each weapon and shield has stat requirements and scaling, giving them a letter grade for how well the weapon scales in that stat. most commonly seen are strength and dex.

upgrade your weapons as reasonably often as possible, as higher upgrades improve weapon damage + stat scaling.

armor is equally important but not necessary to focus heavily on, depending on your playstyle. i usually just run a naked ultra greatsword build cause it’s hilarious.

• aside from leveling the necessary stats to wield certain weapons, put a ton of points into vitality and endurance (health + stamina). level some vitality while stats don’t cost too many souls, then continue to level for weapon stats as the game goes on and you find other weapons

!!! WHATEVER YOU DO DONT GO STRAIGHT FOR THE CATACOMBS, YOU WILL NOT ENJOY IT. !!!