As far as leveling, good to level Strength & Faith of course, but don't forget to give your Health & Endurance some love! First build I did went Strength/Fire. There's an Erdtree (spelling??) great club that is relatively fun to use. Weapon art is set in stone, but it's basically the Erdtree AOE move that spits the barrage of faith bullets. Used buddy system to procure a second one for extra bonk.
The other weapon I was using was fire giant braid whip, or whatever it's called. Another set weapon art, but nice big AOE with fire damage. Also doubled up for extra whiplash.
I was playing as a caveman pyromancer on that run, so locked myself into only Unga Bunga tactics. Successful enough for a full clear. Only wore rags/pelts a neanderthal could've managed.