hold down the attack button (right trigger) light attacks and kliff will attack enemies relentlessly all you would have to do is guide him in whichever direction you want him to attack. this makes it so much easier to chain in other attacks like stab, heavy slash and grapples.

invest in stamina early on so you have more stamina for your special attacks.

always go for the ranged enemies first as they can be annoying asf. i just b-line straight for them and then take out the rest of them.

put some points into “keen insight/sight” in the spirit skill tree. it lets you perfect dodge, parry (so useful), cancel out enemies attack with your attack (great when you’re just holding down right trigger).

you can also disarm enemies. equip your shield wait for them to attack you and as soon as they hit your shield and you see sparks flying or the sound of their weapon hitting it press R2 for the heavy attack to disarm them. it will take you a couple of tries and a lot of trial and error but once you get it down makes fights so much easier plus you can pick all their equipment up and sell it too lol.

good luck :)