LogFAQs > #963647683

Don't try to be a hardass and do it alone. Join a group (kindred, straydmn are good groups to add) and get some help. One helper is usually better than two.

Take every chance to level up. Don't risk your runes if you have enough to level and can avoid it.

When facing bosses, it's most often better (for melee builds) to dodge *forward* and not backward. You'll more often end up behind them instead of backward into their attack zone.

Focus on only one build. Don't think you're gonna be a STR/DEX/INT/FAI build. Pick one of those, maybe enough of the others to wield a weapon you like, and then stack it with your VIT/MIND/END depending on your chosen build.

If you can get to North East Caelid (east side of the map) there's a *huge* old dragon that you can kill without repercussion for an easy 70,000 runes (more if you use a pickled bird foot thing).

Good luck!