My first playthrough was as a samurai. Being relatively new to From Software games, I played it very meticulously and cautiously. After beating the game, I farmed a bunch of levels (got up to 192) and prepared for my NG+ file, but first I wanted to start a fresh playthrough as a mage.
This time, I started as an astrologer. Having already completed the game, I didn't care about spoilers, so I checked how to get some good equipment/spells early, which of course led me to the Meteorite Staff. With that in hand, it's wild how easily I've been making my way through the game compared to the first time. After getting my staff and a few levels, I basically made a beeline straight for Godrick and destroyed everything in my way. Afterwards, I ran through the academy and defeated Rennala.
That's when I did need to stop and gain some more levels, primarily for additional HP. Since then, though, it's been smooth sailing.

It's hard to review this game. It has the best gameplay in the series, easily, but that's constantly interrupted by helicopter rides, visits to Mother Base, selecting your loadouts (even though, for me, it was the same loadout for almost every mission) and micromanaging your many recruits. Still, while you're actually in the field, the stealth gameplay feels excellent. But then it has the absolute worst story in the series. On the plus side... kinda... the vast majority of the story is on cassette tapes that are completely optional.