Have learned the route for Normal and been trying to get a complete run off the ground but my soul count keeps going awry early game, mostly at axe demon after going back up the rope ladder. What are the common backup strats if you screw up the early game? I'd also like to submit this game to marathons in the future every now and again once I get more comfortable with it, so knowing this would be very helpful. Didn't look into Bowie's 2017 run (yet), but I assume that run was pretty safe?

That run was safe, yeah, but I managed to execute it, so didn't need my back ups, so in terms of learning them, it won't show them, specifically.

In terms of back up souls, you can basically delay the necessity for the Fire 3 until later. YTou don't need it until you escape from fighting Stylado. Clear the odd extra mob, if you miss the Issens that you need is also a way to go.

Generally delaying what you want to upgrade tends to work in your favour, as long as you clear extra mobs after to keep it from spilling over against you.

Sounds good, man. If I can't get an optimal early game going in the couple attempts, I'll revert to those strats. I'm enjoying the run tbh, I just need to practice more haha. Appreciate the response!