Notes from author
Quick PVE guide to help anyone looking for a strong/fun build that that is easy to play.
You may want to do a standard 40str/40dex quality and look to this guide for NG+ and on.
The stats shown here are "end goals" of the build, with room to spare.
1. Firstly head for stats STR: 28 DEX: 13 (for Murakumo) if you are just starting.
2. Get and upgrade a Murakumo to Chaos (Skele Blacksmith, Ember is in Lost Izalith), use this with 10 soft humanity (you can be hollow it doesn't matter) to carry your damage while you work on Stamina.
3. Also, aquire the other gear/upgrades shown while working towards 61 Stamina. Put points into Vitality as needed! If you don't require that much vitality, you can save yourself some levels on this build.
4. As for DEX & STR you have two options that end in about the same place. If you aren't sure, going evenly into STR/DEX til 40/40 (Quality build) is a safe bet.
To be more specific:
Option 1: go for 50 STR / 72 Dex, as shown in the stats. (Ability to wield more stuff, access to Havel's Greatshield. Basically the same stats as below, needs a few extra levels.)
Option 2: 28 STR / 90 (or 92?) DEX, (you actually save about 4 or 5 levels here, but you lose the ability to wield Havel's Greatshield (when needed) and a bit of damage on your composite bow also.)
5. At this point you should have
61: Stamina
50/72 STR/DEX (or the other option)
If you haven't made a +15 Standard Murakumo, you should. You no longer need to carry 10 Humanity and buffed with Magic Weapon, you will be deleting everything with 2h R2 strikes. Keep pushing Dex for added damage, 16 attune is nice whenever you can (4 spell slots total) and you will need 15 INT for the Great magic weapon.
I'm sure there are 1000 better builds, but this took me 20 minutes to put together and I was fussing with stamina options anyway. I hope it helps somebody, even one person.
Praise the Sun.
