This game is all long boss battles and fighting them again and again to get better equipment. You will learn the monsters tells and get slightly better each time. But keep in mind this is a long game with a learning curve. Much like a souls game, I found the sense of accomplishment from being terrible to getting better every time rewarding, and also the monsters are cool. However it's not for everyone so if that commitment isn't for you I don't blame you if you bounce off. Just don't feel bad if at first you suck, that's normal.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m8B1RUe7se8&pp=ygUhbW9uc3RlciBodW50ZXIgd29ybGQgd2VhcG9uIGd1aWRl

Here is a video to help you pick a weapon

Try a few weapons and when you find some that gel with you, look up some weapon tutorials if you want a good idea on how to master them, however there is no wrong way to play.

Sincerely, a gunlance main