I just beat the game on a first playthru about a month back after it finally migrated to steam works. Something to keep in mind: the game is intentionally vague storywise, the npc "quests" are complicated, and the overall flow is tangled. You will probably, at several points, wonder "wtf is going on?" FROM software has basically come out and said that they want the game vague, that they want a community discussion to evolve the lore. Point being, its normal to be confused. As far as simple bits:
1. Avoid pumping the resistance stat. Building a character around virtually any other stat is feasible.
2. Most folks will either run enough str and dex to run their ideal weapons and pump int/faith for spells, or stack dex / str to scale up their weapon dmg, or some combination in between. Again, many things are viable.
3. LEARN HOW HUMANITY WORKS. Seriously. This should probably be item number 1. The mechanic is so confusing to a new player. Humanity affects your item discovery, allows you summon people, allows you to pump up your bonfires. If you cant beat a boss, consider using humanity and summoning help.
4. There is a general flow to where you should go. If you are getting your ass kicked, you probably are in the wrong area. Look online and u can hopefully find a "general guide" that shows you where to go without spoiling shit.
5. I would avoid a guide if possible, and try solo play if possible. My friend helped me with my first playthru, and looking back the areas where I struggled then succeeded make me smile, but the areas where he held my hand seem cheap. He helped me with a tough area and this one boss (no spoilers, but probably the hardest boss in the game) and it really cheapened my sense of accomplishment.