1: Keep an eye out for lit lamps. They're usually used as a marker for a ladder or a platform you can drop down to.

2: More than any other game in the series, DS3 likes to ambush you when you move in to claim an item. If you see an item that looks suspiciously unguarded, approach with caution.

3: Unless you're using a weapon with really low durability, just sell your repair powders because you aren't going to need them. You should never have to repair anything in this game unless you like to spend 15 minutes swinging repeatedly at a wall.

4: Do not waste points in luck unless you're going specifically for a luck build (there aren't many, but there are ways to make luck viable for combat). The increase in item discovery from luck is negligible.

5: If you're interested in boosting your item discovery, there is a weapon, a helmet, and a ring that will increase it. Use these items when you want to farm certain items. Do not put points in luck for this purpose.

6: The Knight is the best starting class by a large margin. If you want to test this, try making a Cleric. Be warned, you're going to have a bad time.

7: If you have a certain build planned, but won't have access to the required spells or equipment until later in the game, try the Astora Straight Sword infused with raw. It can be found very early in the game and has very low stat requirements. The raw infusion makes it even more effective without requiring you to invest points in stats. This sword will easily carry you through most of the game.

8: Skeletons are weak to bludgeoning weapons and will often fall apart or fall down with just one swing. This makes controlling a large crowd of skeletons much more manageable.

9: As would seem to be tradition in the Dark Souls series, NPC quest lines can easily be missed or broken. Some of them are so convoluted that it would take multiple playthroughs worth of trial and error to figure them out. Because of this, I recommend using an NPC quest guide after your first playthrough.