So I can't find my super guide I posted in another thread a while ago, so I will just try to give the short version. > Always start with master key. This allows for very early loot and shortcuts that you either have to buy a key to or clear entire areas to get to. > learn how to parry, dodge, or turtle properly. The first two usually go hand in hand, but turtle get behind a greatshield takes some extra finesse. You can't just hide behind one, your stamina bar will crash. Put your shield down inbetween getting hit, even for a second, to charge stamina back up. > Choose a class and stick to it. Unless you are a Souls Vet, this is important. Don't start as a knight and change mid way to pure magic. It will make the build difficult to manage. Dabble here and there in other stats, but don't heavily invest outside the build. (Pyromancy is useful and only needs attunement to utilize, good for any build for some range). > Patience and hard work is crucial. Any Souls player cannot stress this one enough. Some areas are going to be living hell, others will be pathetically easy. It's how Souls works. Never give up, keep trying, learn from your many deaths. > Get help in tough spots. Most bosses through the series have NPC summons you can get to help you. Not all, but most. If not, try finding player signs nearby, usually by the boss door/area. (But be mindful of the red/purple tint Dark signs...) > Find what works best for you. There are tons of armors and weapons in the game, find your favorite. You get up to 10 character slots, use them to play different builds and styles. > NG+ and beyond... Congrats, you beat the final boss. Now you get to endure New Game +. [b]This activates after defeating the final boss.[/b] be 100% sure you have everything done/explored/collected before taking him out (spoiler below). [spoiler]He is just after filling the Lordvessel with the 4 Lord souls. Kiln of the First Flame. [/spoiler] > Praise the Sun \[T]/ Most important of all is to never forget to Praise that Sun. Seriously though, you get some good miracles, a beaming gold summon sign, a very useful NPC you can summon (Solaire), and be one of the luminescent Sun Bros! As for hydra, hog the far right wall. You can walk up it, and the hydra will miss most of the time and phase into the wall right in front of you. Hack at it. Keep shield up just in case. Arrows and a bow help too. Any more questions, feel free to ask. Being a Souls completionist (and fanfic writer) have its perks.