I came late to Dark Souls, and was aware of its fearsome reputation. So I told myself I'd cover the first few hours with the help of a guide, just to learn the ropes and get myself acclimatised.
Doing so lead to mention of the Drake Sword, supposedly a big boost for beginners, so I stuck with FAQs up until the place where it can be found, and then stuck to my original plan and went on to free exploration.
This worked pretty well for a good while. Eventually, however, I began to get frustrated. I kept blundering into areas that were too hard for me, and I couldn't work out whether it was a lack of skill or whether I just didn't have the stats and equipment. With all other avenues apparently closed, I hit Blighttown and found the going so hard that I gave up.
I recently picked up the game again after an absence of several months. And because I was picking it up again I felt comfortable using a guide. From it, I learned some important things: I hadn't been levelling up my weapons properly, for instance (I long since stopped using the Drake Sword), and I wasn't using a very useful shield. Obviously there were important RPG mechanics I hadn't understood.
I also found that I'd skipped almost all of Darkroot Basin. And that the area of Darkroot Garden behind the locked door (which I'd opened with the seal) that I'd got stuck in was a bit early for my character (I'm about level 40).
Having closed off the loose ends and sorted out my character, I find myself back in Blighttown again. I know I'm on the verge of being able to pick things like factions and covenants. I've been enjoying the game a lot, and I want to keep playing, but also to get the most out of my experience. I'm worried that if I stop using the guide, I'll give up in Blighttown again. But I'm also worried that if I keep using it, I won't be enjoying the game to its maximum potential.
So, should I keep using a guide? And if not, what's the best approach to weaning myself off it without getting discouraged?
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