Lance or sword and shield might be good to stay a bit safer and learn the monsters. This game series is all about understanding what you’re fighting, they will all have a “tell” when they go to do something. Some might take one step backwards and arch in a specific way, some might make a specific noise, and they’ll always follow with a specific move. You have to understand what they’re going to do so you can figure out how much time you have to attack.

You’re going to die a bunch, but after a while you’ll come to know how the monster you’re fighting will move and it will get easier.

After all that also get to learn the skills that come with armor pieces, you want specific skills to compliment play styles. I don’t remember freedom unite specifically, but for weapons with a shield you’d want a skill called “guard” that improves how blocking works, whether it’s taking less stamina when you get hit or allowing you to block once unblockable moves.