Cave of Knowledge

The Cave of Knowledge is the game’s tutorial, hidden under the Stranded Graveyard. You drop in through a hole in the floor, and from there a string of short rooms teaches you the basics: guarding, dodging, stance breaks, guard counters, skills, spells and sneaking.

It is completely optional and over in a few minutes, but if you are new to these games it is worth the time. At the end waits the Soldier of Godrick, a gentle first boss, and beating him takes you back up to the graveyard with the Strength! gesture as a small prize.