Dunno if popular, never read guides but mine build got pretty cheesy

• Str or dex, health and stamina

• Two Str / dex - scaled one handed weapons (there are ashes that convert damage scaling AND add elemental damage)

• Medium armor

• Shield just in case for archers

• For mobs - offence is best defense

• For bosses - offence + fire / lightning

Edit: I’m assuming we’re talking base game, not dlc