Beginner tips

Ten habits that help new players go deeper.

Kill archers first. They have the least poise and their arrows cost health. You can also cut arrows out of the air with a slash.
Do not stand still in a crowd. Ghosts surround you. Keep moving and slash in the direction you are facing.
Read the warning, not the boss. Every boss attack shows where it will land. Step out, then hit back.
Be patient with shield knights. They take several hits. Heavier weapons break their poise faster.
Use the spin slash when surrounded. You unlock it by beating the first boss. Charge it only when you have room.
Take health and defense early. Upgrades like Guard and Level Up keep early runs alive. Damage upgrades matter more later.
Stack one theme. A few levels of the same upgrade beat many different ones.
Spend Umbra on cheap tiers first. Buy low tiers of useful upgrades before saving for expensive ones.
Use the healing room wisely. Take health when you are hurt, Awakening when the screen starts to fade.
Learn from every death. The Bloodstain gives you a second chance at the same depth, so try the boss again with the bonus.