1. There is no monster health bar. You have to learn each monster's behaviour, tactics, weaknesses. The hard way
2. There's no lock on (it's not that big a deal on console versions with two control sticks)
3. Always have full stamina (not health), a sharpened weapon (Whetstones), and dodge; A LOT
4. Use the environment, bombs, nets, traps, etc
5. You have to have patience with this one; it's very difficult and frustrating, yet incredibly satisfying
6. IT'S NOT AN RPG!
My themeforest portfolio: