Dark Souls 3: 12 Essential Tips New Players Need To Know

10. Learn To Toggle Lock-On Frequently

It's tempting to click the right stick in and remain laser-focussed on your target until it's a pile on the floor, but instead, you'll quickly learn that doing so will get you flanked or swamped by groups of enemies immediately.

To that end, learn to lock on and off enemies constantly. If it's just you and one creature left, locking on will allow you to perfect side dodge-rolls, whereas if you want to engage in a bout of group combat, unlocking and wading in with more arching swipes can catch multiple foes - not to mention aiming with the left stick as you go allows you to redirect each swing. This way, you can cut through multiple enemies, swiping left, right, left, right as you go.

In addition, if you get behind an enemy and backstab them, de-lock and scout around for your next threat or something that could ambush you during the animation. You're invulnerable when in this state, and it's a good way to refocus your efforts before the move ends.

Lastly, you can deal a TON of damage to stronger foes by pulling off a backstab, then charging a strong attack as they're stuck in the 'slowly getting back up' animation. They'll be immune to hits for a few frames when they hit the floor, but you can launch straight into a combo if you just hold back a few seconds and then attack.