I love DS2, I genuinely find myself having more fun with it than I have DS3 or BB. It has it's flaws, but I feel it has a LOT more positives than people give it credit for. Sure, there's no iframes on fog gates and levers and yeah, it's kinda annoying, but it causes you to come up with strategies to get past the enemies in the way, whether it's worth fighting them or trying to find a way around. This game REQUIRES caution and consideration.

Let's talk about the Agility stat for a second. You probably wonder "why is my dodge so bad? The estus is so slow. casting takes forever". You need to raise your agility stat. How, you ask? Adaptability and attunement. They both add to your agility stat, one point per level for both. It can cut your item use by a THIRD. do NOT sleep on levelling agility. The ADP softcap is around 39, and can make the game much easier.

Do NOT start with the f*cking bandit class, or you may as well just throw yourself from the Majula cliffside.

Also, just a reminder. Elden Ring is literally DS2 2.