So, Dark Souls is on sale.

[PoLeo]

And I got it. Was initially going to get the Metal Gear Solid series, and still plan on it, but yea. Sale.

Looking for tips. Never played the series. I know it is hard and all, I did a little research. So, I decided to go with the Thief class for an additional challenge.

[bigdirty]

Get good at dodging and reading the bosses' movement patterns. I platinumed it for PS3 around when it came out, so I can't speak to whether it's been changed since them or balanced differently. You can't go wrong with working up your pyromancy skill and be good at blocking. Some bosses can be made a lot easier by being able to tank it with a shield.

If you're going into a hard boss fight, make sure you spend all your souls to level up.

[PoLeo]

Get good at dodging and reading the bosses' movement patterns. I platinumed it for PS3 around when it came out, so I can't speak to whether it's been changed since them or balanced differently. You can't go wrong with working up your pyromancy skill and be good at blocking. Some bosses can be made a lot easier by being able to tank it with a shield.

If you're going into a hard boss fight, make sure you spend all your souls to level up.

Would it be a good idea to grind early on?

[Violetcoast]

My first mistake, hold on to the boss souls, they come in handy in ways beyond leveling up. My second mistake, start with a pyromancer, it's the quickest way to get started with pyromancy. The other fighting styles were easy to find and learn on my own. That's all I got, except, level up as soon as you can, don't try to hold onto souls. Beyond that, have fun!

[Obderiath]

Always grind. Always.
Farm for Humanity.
Definitely learn to parry - can only be done with smaller shields and some off-hand weapons.
Some enemies will make you REALLY want a heavy shield, though.
Strafe a LOT and go for backstabs.
Most importantly, be VERY patient in your combat.
Learn to kick reliably, as it drops most enemies shields.
Same for the leaping attacks and rising (from a roll) attacks (they don't drop shields, I just meant learn 'em!)
Practice with ALL weapon types to see what you like.
Once you level enough, it wouldn't hurt to have spells AND miracles on-hand, especially for when you're invaded.

If you're actually into the game and not just testing the waters, you're going to LOVE it dude. You're in for one hell of a ride.
OH, and don't be fooled into thinking there's no decent story - listen to NPC's, pay attention to level detail, and read descriptions. You'll be surprised at how layered it actually is. The coolest thing is learned who is/are the good guy(s) and such. It really has a neat story.

[AGuyWithNoName]

Most importantly, be VERY patient in your combat.

The most important advice you will receive in this thread is right there (no disrespect intended to all of the other good advice). This game is meant to test you and those whose patience wears thin will get frustrated very easily. Once you get frustrated, the game has the advantage. I know that sounds weird but I assure you it is true.

Ob gave some good advice about parrying and kicking. Personally, I always preferred kicking. Not that parries are not essential, but sometimes in a pinch, it can do more harm than good depending on wether or not you land the parry. Mistakes cost you dearly in this game.

If you have a moment, get a pencil and paper and plot out how you wish to build your character. The souls required for a single point in the mid 200 SL range is staggering (unless you pvp a lot, which can be pretty bountiful soul-wise I understand) so having a "map" of sorts will save you a lot of headaches. Think of the type of weapons you wish to use, the armor and shield you wish to use as well when formulating this map so that you can better fine tune where you wish to put your points as all of the above may require you be at a base level in any given stat to be able to use.

Be mindful of your equipment burden. Nothing worse than trying to dodge a deadly attack and flat rolling.

Efficient stamina = a strong shield arm. However, once you reach the 40 points spent range, the actual benefit to the amount of stamina you gain is essentially nothing. At that point you're only reason for stamina input (which is actually your endurance stat if I remember correctly) would be for your equipment burden. However, this can be better adjusted (so long as you don't mind giving up the one ring slot) by using Havel's ring.

Speaking of gear...You'll come across an abundant amount. Invest in what you will mainly use (as far as leveling it) but don't be afraid to go back utilize different sets/make-ups as you open up newer areas. Some of the gear is better suited for certain areas.

Don't overlook the importance of poise if you're going for a more tankish type of build. A high poise can save you when you get your shield up in time to block a major attack that would normally stagger you in the sense that you are much, MUCH harder to stagger. Couple this with a good end/vit stat placement and you'll be able stand in with enemies you normally wouldn't.

Violet also gave sound advice about the boss souls. Some of them can be used to produce some pretty powerful weaponry and such.

Not only is it funny to watch sometimes, but utilizing blood splatters or watching ghosts can really be beneficial when you're in a new area. Don't forget to bow as a sign of respect after watching the death of a fellow traveler. <--- Okay, that one you DON'T have to do but it was part of my character's m.o. so I always did lol.

Don't forget to wave or bow before leaving a bonfire! It's a lonely dangerous trek out there and one of the cooler things I would see/do when I played a lot was to do this, or see someone else do it before venturing out. The game will have you speaking in tongues enough if you're not careful so it's good to know others are trekking through the same ordeal. If you're at a bonfire long enough, others will be able to see you so don't feel silly in wishing your fellow Lost Ones good luck . <--- Again that's optional, BUT, I have found that the more you allow yourself to become a part of the lore that is this game, the more fun of an already chaotic ride it will be.

[Valkyrie Elsa]

Beware the archers of Anor Londo Ledge

[Obderiath]

Beware the archers of Anor Londo Ledge

Damn them, they can be a pain. But simple strategies, one for solo play and one if you can manage a buddy. Get a good bow and enough arrows, and if you're alone, position yourself so only one has you in his line of sight. Edge yourself until his arrows catch the grated fence but so you can still hit him. Get it right and you won't have to drop his health to zero, as you ca just knock him off.

With a pal, have him stand right in front of you with a nice, heavy shield. As long as the other player keeps himself in position after knock-back, you'll have yourself a nice, perfect barrier.

It's preferred for the shooter to have the Dragon Great-Bow, but that requires having to get past them, so that's a no-go on your first playthrough - unless a friend has one!

[PoLeo]

I had to take a break. I got to this giant red demon thing that I have to fight on this giant wall on my way to ring the Undead Church Bell.

Did manage to get to level 24 though.

[Ensu]

You can parry bare-handed.

It's a good way to learn how without damaging equipment. (By being nude).