[Tips & Tricks] Beginners guide to Bloodborne

Question

There is no doubt Bloodborne will be a difficult game. But do not fear, it's not unbeatable and as long as we stand together as a community we will manage it!
Let's use this guide to help all the beginners and newbies, especially those who have never played a Demon Souls or Dark Souls game. 
We will collect all your tips and add them to the:
*BEGINNERS GUIDE*
To BLOODBORNE
#1 Learn how to parry by firing your gun at the right moment! - @LordRoss &
This can not be stressed enough. It is the most important skill to master if you wish to boss this game so it needs to reiteration. A well-timed parry will open up your opponent for a vicious riposte. This comes in most handy against large opponents who you can take out with very few killer blows rather than chipping away at his health with pin-pricks.
#2 Learn to chain attacks.
Due to the new trick weapon system, where each weapon has two functions, you can now chain moves in a way you never could in any Souls game. When you press L1 your weapon will switch from one combat style to another, usually from a quick, short-range attack to a slow, long-range attack.
The thing is if you press L1 while in the middle of a combo the transition from one style to another itself becomes an attack which will link one style to another. Try start off with two, short range R1 (weak) attacks, press L1 to switch style, adding damage, and follow through into a long-range R2 (strong) attack.
Remember that on two-handed and dual-wield styles R2, your usual button for firing your gun, now also becomes an attack instead of that button becoming idle. 
#3 Charge attacks to drop enemies from behind. - JynXten
In the Souls games back-stabbing was a simple matter of getting behind the enemy and stabbing him in the back. Now you need to charge your attack by holding R2 for a couple of seconds 'til your weapon gives off a glint at which point you let go to deliver a powerful blow which will drop your enemy to his knees so you can ram your blade between his shoulder blades.
Press forward lightly on the left stick to sneak up on opponents.

Answer 1

#3 Learn to chain attacks.
Due to the new trick weapon system, where each weapon has two functions, you can now chain moves in a way you never could in any Souls game. When you press L1 your weapon will switch from one combat style to another, usually from a quick, short-range attack to a slow, long-range attack.
The thing is if you press L1 while in the middle of a combo the transition from one style to another itself becomes an attack which will link one style to another. Try start off with two, short range R1 (weak) attacks, press L1 to switch style, adding damage, and follow through into a long-range R2 (strong) attack.
Remember that on two-handed and dual-wield styles R2, your usual button for firing your gun, now also becomes an attack instead of that button becoming idle.