I've put a couple hours in and I just can't get into it. If I had to describe the game in one word it would be, "unfocused." Tons of confusing, overlapping, seemingly redundant systems, a bajillion items whose uses are vaguely described at best and just pile up in my inventory, imprecise combat mechanics that seem to encourage cheesing, and not even much of an explanation about why my character is doing what they're doing or why I should care. Like I get FromSoft games purposefully don't use straightforward narratives but I just don't see any narrative hook to grab my engagement other than that I should want to be "Elden Lord," for some reason.
So what's the attraction? It looks gorgeous, I'll give it that. But so did Sekiro, which felt a lot more focused mechanically and narratively.
Not trying to be contrarian, I genuinely want to know what people see in this game that I'm missing.
It's really good, give it time and feel out which enemies you can take on and climb your way up. Try everything you can get your hands on and play lots of co-op.
You can take the caves on, use a metal shield if you're really struggling but be proactive and you'll get the rythm. It's very similar to Halo in that it's basically a game of speed-chess against your enemies.
Timing isn't that important compared to learning the right positions and learning the best directions to dodge and which openings to exploit.
Also lots of jump attacks to break shields.