How to progress through new game?

[LocalxCrimez]

Hi,
I am in my first playthrough (new game) and I am planning to do all the ng+ to depths so far.
I am on the fourth region of the story and I was wondering if I should only do the main missions or also some side missions(I do dojo missions once possible). Like doing side misssions that give smithing texts and locks for skillpoints?

[Angel]

personally I just do whichever mission has the lowest mission level and continue like that

you don't need to bother with the blue "online missions" right away. those were bonus, DLC missions and can be very difficult if you do them right when they're available

[{5LINE}Cows with Guns]

If you're looking for the "fastest" progression, get a person to carry you to NG++++ / DOTN.

Everything before Dream of the Demon (NG++) is basically a tutorial.

NG++ is where you can collect all achievements on steam, while NG+++ is a taste / practice for NG++++.

Keep in mind, all gear becomes obsolete quickly on each successive difficulty, so don't bother farming until NG++++.

[la_nague]

the side missions can also give you guardian spirits, i would do them all (except "online" ones - bad translation...they are extra downloads and can be quite difficult).

[{5LINE}Cows with Guns]

Well - only the "Chinese Bellflower" is really difficult, everything else is about what you would expect (In my experience at least).

[Cronofear]

Originally posted by LocalxCrimez:

Hi,
I am in my first playthrough (new game) and I am planning to do all the ng+ to depths so far.
I am on the fourth region of the story and I was wondering if I should only do the main missions or also some side missions(I do dojo missions once possible). Like doing side misssions that give smithing texts and locks for skillpoints?

I personally did all the mission in ng, thoroughly looking for kodamas and other collectables. Then speedrun my way until WotN.

[CyndiLove]

Some side missions offer
・new guardian spirits.
・kodamas.
・hot springs. (you need for achievement)
・new boss that you may fight in the underworld
・new stages that you may see in the underworld
・some story you may be interested in
・and maybe a lot more

Yeah, like that guy said, "Chinese Bellflower" is really difficult, but you will fight that boss in the underworld, so perhaps you should at least have a try.