Dark Souls 3 is infamous for its punishing difficulty and cryptic world design, yet it remains one of the most rewarding experiences in modern gaming. For newcomers and even returning players, the journey through Lothric can feel overwhelming. This guide offers practical advice, forged from multiple playthroughs, to help you navigate your first run with confidence and efficiency.

1. Learn the Flow of Combat

The most essential skill in Dark Souls 3 is timing. Button mashing will only get you killed faster. Focus on learning enemy patterns, managing your stamina, and timing your dodges or blocks precisely. Every animation has weight and consequence, and survival often comes down to knowing when not to attack.

2. Don't Rely on a Single Weapon

It’s tempting to stick with the first decent sword you find, but Dark Souls 3 rewards adaptability. Different enemy types have different resistances and weaknesses. Try experimenting with a few weapon types—curved swords for speed, greatswords for reach and power, or spears for cautious thrusts. Infusing weapons later in the game also adds elemental effects, making diversity even more important.

3. Explore Every Path (Even the Ones That Look Dangerous)

Lothric is filled with secrets, optional bosses, and hidden NPC quests that can drastically change your experience. A crumbling tower might hide a covenant, while an unassuming hallway could lead to powerful gear. Exploration is core to Dark Souls 3, so take your time and keep an eye out for illusory walls or ladders tucked behind corners.

4. Level for Survivability, Not Just Damage

Dumping all your souls into Strength or Dexterity might make you hit harder, but you’ll regret neglecting Vigor or Endurance. More HP and stamina often translate to more time alive in boss fights. Aim for a balanced build early on until you find a weapon or playstyle that truly defines your character.

5. Use NPC Summons—But Strategically

Summoning NPCs can make certain boss fights far more manageable. However, doing so increases the boss’s HP, and NPCs are often unreliable in later fights. For some encounters, going solo might actually give you a better chance of success. In any case, having backup during your first run can help you learn boss mechanics more safely.

6. Join Covenants That Match Your Playstyle

Covenants in Dark Souls 3 are more than just flavor—they offer items, PvP options, and sometimes cooperative rewards. Whether you want to protect other players (Blue Sentinels), invade others (Rosaria’s Fingers), or farm rare materials (Watchdogs of Farron), picking the right covenant can enhance your progression and open new avenues of gameplay.

7. Embrace Failure as a Teacher

You will die. Repeatedly. But in Dark Souls 3, death is part of the process. Every loss gives you information—about enemy placement, boss mechanics, or level hazards. The game never punishes you arbitrarily; there’s always a reason for your demise. Pay attention, adapt, and treat every run as a learning opportunity.

Dark Souls 3 is not designed to hold your hand—but that’s where the magic lies. With perseverance, curiosity, and a little bit of stubbornness, you’ll find yourself mastering the systems and uncovering the lore-rich world hidden behind every fog wall. Stick with it, and the game will reward you in ways few others can match.