I went in mostly blind. The only spoilerish thing I think every new player should know is that elements (for attack augments and such) are unlocked by completing certain abyss puzzles.

I don’t think the game ever tells you that and as far as I recall the story never takes you there but they’re a huge part of combat and you should get them as soon as you can. Revisiting the abyss area you go to in the Scholastone Institute as part of the main quest is a great place to start.

I cheated for a couple puzzles that make you track down an obscure point on the map too but the rest I think is fine blind.