FromSoftware 101

• It is crucial to maintain awareness of your surroundings in combat. When you are running away from an enemy make sure to point the camera towards them, so if they rush towards you for an attack you'll see it coming. Only do so if you know there is no enemy in front of you. This is most useful in boss fights.
• If you use your index finger to hold down the command for running on the controller while you simultaneously move the camera with your thumb, you'll achieve greater maneuverability. The positioning is awkward but if it works out for you, it'll change the way you play games.

• Use lock on only if you're fighting one or two enemies. Never use it when fighting groups, they will overwhelm you. When fighting a gargantuan enemy, it is best to avoid lock on for attacking and dodging as it gets hard to see the attacks. Lock on and off according to whatever you are comfortable with but never use it at crutch.
• The characters move fluidly in FromSoft games to ensure maximum agility, most attacks don't have to be dodged. You can simply walk, run or backstep out of them.

Mastering your camera control is crucial for gameplay. Once you achieve that, everything will fall in place.

Your character gets stronger and stronger as you keep pushing on. You have to be thorough with exploration and persistently keep heading back into the action even if you end up losing 100000 souls. To some FromSoft games seem cumbersome but I can assure you they are nothing of the sort. These games are challenging but as a test of merit.

Most AAA companies don't care about the consumer or the player experience. A formulaic regurgitation of past experiences are being repeatedly manufactured to make profits. The passion for gameplay is lost in the noise. FromSoft's design philosophy revolves around player freedom and fun gameplay. Although, game design requires a certain formula to build a foundation, it's how they've flourished upon this foundation in order to keep their gameplay loop fresh that's solidified them as masters of their craft.

Boletaria, Lordran, Drangleic, Yharnam, Lothric, Ashina, Rubicon and The Lands Between are rich worlds which are embedded with deep lore. Masterfully crafted by Fromsoft to enhance their games, to captivate you and make you lose yourself in its beauty. For those who desire more than just gameplay, Fromsoft has created an expansive history for all their worlds that is worth diving into. Worlds that are thoroughly discussed between communities, worlds that are payed homage to by talented artists. It's a tale worth immersing yourself into. It's a tale worth playing.

• Avoid panic rolls. As best as you can.
• Use the items and buffs that you collect. Don't hoard them.
• Don't get cornered in a fight.
• Go into these games as blindly as possible.
• Double chug, when needed.
• Try not to get greedy, try not to.
• If it's your first time, keep your shield up and walk slowly. Especially in claustrophobic spaces.
• Get comfortable with two handing weapons.
• Don't forget about the stamina bar.
• That enemy with 1hp can end you very quickly, be cautious.
• Read item descriptions for lore and item buffs or debuffs.
• Some enemies are worth cheesing.
• Use summons for help.
• Prepare to die.
• You got this!

Gaming is a wonderous experience that is available to most but truly appreciated by a few. Before FromSoft, I had never explored gaming but after playing dark souls as a 16 year old on my shitty laptop, gaming changed for me. It became a gateway for an even more enriching experience. It led me to dispose my past biases and try FF7, Stalker, Disco Elysium, Deus Ex, The Witcher, MGS, Inscryption, RE2, Nioh, Prey, Xcom and so many many more incredible games. I hope it influences you in a positive light, just as it influenced me.