I started a new character (mostly because I no longer have a working PC, so I had to switch to playing on my roommate's PS5) and am about 40 hours in now. I know I should be trying to actually advance, but I can't stop myself from puttering around the open world.

I did, for once, decide to restrain myself and only level my main stats (Strength, Vigor, Endurance) instead of branching out into a little bit of everything to hit stat requirements for spells and weapons just to try them out. Either I suddenly got a lot better than I remembered being, or leveling sensibly makes the game like 10x easier.

One problem I'm anticipating for the DLC: I've already settled into an aesthetic I like, with lightly-armored sellsword vibes (bastard sword, Vulgar Militia armor, bandit boots, bandit manchettes). So there is a good chance that I pick up all the new DLC items, go "oh that's neat, but not for this character" and then never give them a decent shot. :P

Edit: Holy shit Starscourge Radahn is, like, a real boss? The first time I played I killed him on my second try and I didn't really understand what all the fuss was about. I spent the entire rest of the game making fun of him by pointing out enemies that are "literally stronger than Radahn." But, uh, now he's kicking my teeth in and it turns out I didn't learn the fight at all. Did his hitboxes used to be bugged or something? I seem to recall that I previously killed him just by hugging his feet and mashing R1 while all his attacks missed me, but that is not currently happening, LMAO.