I don't plan on doing these often but games like this have a hard to digest start up. I am here to remedy that and make the pill go down easier with these hints for WotS 4

1. It may be a bruise to your gamer ego, (it was for me) but start the game out on Easy. The most important thing about this game is getting a good sword, and having a good style that works for you. The best way to accomplish that is to be able to collect swords, money, and sword styles easy and fast.
2. The first sword you should have your eye on is Dojima's (the future blacksmith) Black Market katana. It is a powerful sword to start out with and those who like lower stances, he drops a good one. Keep in mind to be on easy mode so you can kill him fast and easily. He will put up a good fight even on easy mode so be careful.
3. Remember all the swords you have been collecting from fallen enemies? Well don't sell them, break them down at the smith into scrap metal and use these to recast your blade by adding durability or strength and using 10 scrap metal. One melted down sword=one scrap metal so pick up all the swords you see.
4. Money is very important as raising sword stats become very expensive as well as buying new clothing, accessories, and items. You can always sell swords for cash by playing the beginning over and over again and collecting the swords from the fallen samurai. Also kicking bodies or picking up items off of them can grant items and money as well. If you are running out of weapon sack space then start breaking down the swords and sell the grips, blades, and grips. Do not spend money on the dojo until you are ready to focus a play-through on the dojo. If you are looking for good money and have a sword at around 75-100 strength then I suggest starting the British Navy arc. That arc gives a ton of money for each mission completed; it starts at 1500 per mission then jumps to 3000 yen.
5. Do as many sidequests as possible here at the beginning because some of them have permanent effects through your next play-throughs. Things like getting Dojima to become the smith as well as opening up an English school will remain changed for all of your future play-throughs. Sidequests also grant some good money so make sure you are talking to all the town's people.
6. Now that you are a bit stronger perhaps it is time to go sword hunting. Special swords can be picked up off of key characters as well as created, but the easiest way to get good swords is hoping into an Easy game and taking to the back roads and wandering around the town to come across random samurai from other player's games. These characters have the swords on them that their owner has been working on. Sometimes you will get lucky and find a sword that somebody has been working on for a while. I killed a guy the other day that had a sword at 150 strength which is not much, but it is much more than the 1 strength that most dull swords start out with.
7. Stock up on items at the very beginning and put them in the dojo (it acts as a chest for you across multiple play-throughs). If you don't have money, just steal it and then start your game over. Make sure you have money backed up in the treasury as well (also located in dojo). When you are finally ready to go to a harder difficulty this will allow you to have money to fall back on, and items to help heal you.
8. Between missions always breakdown, sell, or meltdown your swords and weapons to keep inventory space and increase bank. Keep an eye on what items you have as well. You can only carry 10 items at a time so make sure you have some healing items as well as a couple of whetstones for your sword. It also helps to have blade oil and other buffing items.
9. The more you use your weapons the more moves will be unlocked within the style/form you are currently using. Certain battle objectives may need to be fulfilled to unlock a certain move but most unlock through successful basic attacks. Do not get married to one sword style, chances are you have another in your pack that works better for you so try them all out until one feels good!
10. If you are looking for a new look, all the clothing stores and street vendors change their inventory depending on the day. If you are after a new look then I suggest the Clothing Store in the Main Plaza. There you can get accessories, clothing, and haircuts to further customize your avatar. Keep in mind everything you buy is now permanently unlocked and accessible to you and any of your play-throughs.

I hope some of these hints helped! Let me know if I misdeed something or if anybody needs help or questions with the game!
-Kyle