MrL_JaKiri posted:

It's not an action game, don't play it like one; use the pause button, plan out what you're going to do.

The first dungeon is essentially an elongated, freeform tutorial; it's not particularly brilliant, but it will teach you the essentials.

Read the loading screen tips, there are some vital things there (like having to use acid/fire to kill a knocked down troll).

If the main character dies it's game over but (unless you're playing Core or harder) your minions can't permanently die, so don't worry about sacrificing them. Get a Rod of Resurrection for precisely this reason and let your main character hold it.

Don't necessarily accept the initial load of stats you're given, reroll until you get a good total. For a Fighter you'll want 18+ STR/DEX/CON, a Mage will want 16+/18+ CON/INT respectively and a Thief ideally wants 18+ STR/DEX and 16+ CON. You can bump CHA down to 3, as long as you do the Circus tent soon after you emerge from the first dungeon.