LogFAQs > #967318869

I know shielding and dodging are the two most effective methods of defending against enemies and bosses but strafing is hugely overlooked especially during your first souls experience. The amount of attacks that you can simply avoid by strafing left or right (depending on the enemy) can be a game changer. And dodging is most complimentary when used with strafing in those games.

I got through the main game my first time around without knowing any of this and I struggled a lot with bosses that I can practically kill in my sleep now. And Dark Souls wasn't even my first Souls experience, it was Demon's Souls. The DLC really taught me how to use those mechanics in your favor and if you wanna struggle less, I suggest you experiment with those.