1. Study each location carefully. Watch out for enemies, traps and places where you can easily die, such as falling from a height.
2. After you die, your top priority is to restore the souls you have lost. Be careful when you do this and remember exactly how you died so that you don't repeat your mistake.
3. With the help of the souls that you have accumulated, pump your character as often as possible. Thus, you will increase the stats and strength of your hero.
4. If you can't move forward, turn around. In some places, the path can lead to several places at once. If you can't deal with the monsters in one of them, try a different path.
5. Collect items. They are indicated by glowing balls. They can sometimes be very well hidden.
6. Pay attention to the behavior of the enemy. They have their own patterns and movements that are easier to counter or parry.
7. Use the shield. Especially in the early hours of the game, when you have a fragile character and you have to watch out for attacks.
8. Use special abilities during the battle. Some of the weapons you get will give you access to more complex attacks and allow you to perform a series of hits. Don't forget about special attacks.
9. Use the available items. You can deal damage from afar (using, for example, incendiary bombs), or increase the effectiveness of your weapons for a short period of time.
10. Don't forget about healing. The only way to restore health is with the help of a flask of estus or by resting by the Fire.
11. There is no pause in the game. If you are in inventory, you are always vulnerable to enemy attacks.
12. In some places, you can stumble upon enemies who have invaded your world (use ember). Those can disappear after defeating the boss in this place.
13. The items you picked up do not appear again after you die. This means that if you cleared a location once, then passing it again will not give you new things.
14. Remember to increase the number of flasks your character can carry. Blacksmith Andre can help you, provided you have a fragment of estus.
15. Don't forget to unblock shortcuts. This will allow you to move freely around the location.
16. Plan your character's development from the beginning. This way, you can be sure that you have used all stat points in the best possible way. Don't waste precious points on abilities that are useless for your playstyle.
17. Use a torch. You can purchase it as soon as you visit the Fire Temple. It can be used to help navigate dark areas, or to reveal subtle passages.
18. Don't forget to upgrade your weapons. If you find a better weapon, feel free to replace it with what you have. You should experiment with weapons, looking for the best for your playstyle. Each weapon feels very different in combat.
19. Try to lure enemies away from groups. This will allow you to fight them one-on-one, which makes the whole fight much easier.
20. Chat with the NPCs you meet on your journey. You can learn a lot about the game world and history. Some of them are also related to side quests, and some will even be able to trade with you.
