Overview
Choose levels for survival, weapons and spells without wasting limited respec resources.
How it works
This guide breaks the topic into the concrete decisions that matter in an actual playthrough, separating progression requirements from optional improvements.
How to approach it
Follow the stages in order, then use the linked character, region, boss and equipment references when you need more detail.
Common mistakes
Do not assume optional steps are mandatory or that all encounters remain unchanged after major story progression.
Attributes, stat scaling and rebirth explained: step by step
Survival first
Vigor gives more room to learn mistakes. Endurance determines stamina and equip load; Mind supports FP users. Keep a usable defensive baseline before spending all runes on a damage stat.
Weapon requirements
Read the weapon stat screen for minimum Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith or Arcane requirements and scaling letters. Reinforcement matters enormously: levels alone cannot fix a weapon that has not been upgraded.
Diminishing returns
Offensive stat returns vary by weapon scaling, affinity and upgrade level. Exact breakpoints are patch-sensitive; test on your own character sheet rather than copying arbitrary min-max values.
Rebirth
After the appropriate story boss, Larval Tears enable rebirth and attribute redistribution; your starting origin remains the same. Plan your desired weapon requirements before spending a tear.