General Strategies

Look before you leap! While jumping down to new areas is an important part of the game (it nets you some fine items early on), quite a lot of other drops are fatal, period. When playing online, look for messages left on the ground by other players regarding drops (and other dangers). Don't forget to RATE helpful messages!

Sound is INCREDIBLY important in Demon's Souls and in many cases can mean the difference between life and death. In other words, listening to what's in the different environments can save your character's life. In areas with hidden creatures, you'll more often than not HEAR them well before you see them.

Early on, you can simply walk into some doorways with your shield extended. This way, if an unseen monster attacks you from the front, your shield, rather than your avatar will take the blow. Of course, if your shield is one blow away from being broken, consider getting it repaired or equipping a better one (if available).

As a beginner, your shield is your best friend. It costs no extra stamina to run or sprint with your shield up, and it doesn't slow you down. Keep it up if you're walking into a blind corner or if you can't see. It could save your life. Just remember that, while stamina doesn't DRAIN any faster, it does regenerate more slowly while holding your shield up. Put it down while resting.

At the start of the game don't waste your magic if you are a magic based character. For example a magician needs consumable items to replenish their Magic Points. A good way to stock up is to leave the Nexus for the Boletarian Palace and only fight monsters on the steps (gathering their souls). Then go back to Nexus with your souls and buy Health and Magic boosts from the blacksmith. Because your Health/Magic refills every time you go in and out of Nexus this is an excellent way to stock up early on supplies without worrying about losing life or souls.

Try to keep a bow and some arrows with you at all times. Many enemies can be killed at range before they even see you, and a few are impossible or at least very difficult to kill with melee weapons. Even if you prefer to melee or use magic, a bow is handy for drawing out and distracting enemies. Regular bows have a precision aiming mode which tends to make them more useful than crossbows in this regard.

Don't rush! Take your time and keep aware of your surroundings. Even the weakest of enemies can kill you if you let them surround you.

Main article: Soul Farming