Well not first, but third i guess, tho i did not finish the game.
First build was faith based, and i easily got untill Raya Lucaria, got bored, and saw that i sold or removed a bunch of incantations and ashes i could have used.
Now im restsrting as a more str than faith pve build, looking fot advice - what are some cool weapons to use? I like the morningstar for soem reason. I plan to either buff with fats and incantations and use some minor flames for giggles.
How would i level up? I plan to run to weeping peninsula and grab what i can there before i head off to Stormveil, making a detour around rotten lands too.
Take a detour to Castle Morne in the south and beat the boss there to get the Grafted Blade Greatsword. It's a great strength weapon all around and fantastic for the early game, especially since it's easy to get.
I'd level up vigor and strength, though if you're impatient you should level up strength first. The grafted greatsword has a STR requirement of 40, but you can two-hand it at 30 I think.
I've done two strength runs and each one I started the same way. Rush to get that sword, get 30 strength, dump everything else into vigor.
If you can't be bothered to beat the boss at Castle Morne, or perhaps if you are looking for a weapon to beat him with, then grab the Claymore in a chest on the way to the boss. Not quite the powerhouse it was in DS1, but still a very good blade.
I always go there to build up some lvls before i head to margit, never used that blade. ds1 / ds2 i always uswd either dex builds or int, now i wanted to bonk people on the head and use miracles.
As far as leveling, good to level Strength & Faith of course, but don't forget to give your Health & Endurance some love! First build I did went Strength/Fire. There's an Erdtree (spelling??) great club that is relatively fun to use. Weapon art is set in stone, but it's basically the Erdtree AOE move that spits the barrage of faith bullets. Used buddy system to procure a second one for extra bonk.
The other weapon I was using was fire giant braid whip, or whatever it's called. Another set weapon art, but nice big AOE with fire damage. Also doubled up for extra whiplash.
I was playing as a caveman pyromancer on that run, so locked myself into only Unga Bunga tactics. Successful enough for a full clear. Only wore rags/pelts a neanderthal could've managed.