Beginner's Guide

Combat basics

1. Build Focus with light attacks

   Light combos build Focus points. Spend them on a charged Heavy for a huge Staff Smash.

2. Pick a staff stance

   Smash, Pillar and Thrust stances each change your heavy attack — Smash is the reliable all-rounder to start.

3. Dodge, don't block

   There's no shield — perfect-dodge to trigger a counter window rather than trading hits.

4. Open with a spell

   Immobilize (Ch.1 spell) freezes most enemies for a free combo — the backbone of many boss kills.

5. Drink and refill

   Manage your gourd (healing) and brew better medicine; refill at Keeper's Shrines, which also let you respec and fast travel.

Early tips

• Spend Sparks on the skill trees early — a few points in Focus and stamina go a long way.
• Explore for gourds, medicines and Vessels; many are off the main path.
• Collect Celestial materials to craft new staves and armour sets at the shrine.
• Immobilize + charged Heavy is the go-to opener against almost every boss.

Coming from other Soulslikes

• There's no shield or parry-block — dodging and spells are your entire defence.
• Stamina is generous, so combos are longer and more aggressive than Dark Souls.
• You keep your 'Will' on death without a run-back; dying costs little, so experiment.
• Focus and spells replace the usual poise-break loop — control the enemy, then burst.

Your first hour

• Learn light-to-heavy combos and the charged Smash before worrying about spells.
• Rest at the first Keeper's Shrine to bank Sparks and unlock fast travel.
• Earn Immobilize in Chapter 1 — it changes how every fight plays.
• Explore side paths early; the first gourd and Vessel upgrades are close to the path.