I beat the first boss on my first try - after struggling with certain lesser enemies multiple times.
Fire Throw on the Climber’s Pick + the fish meal that restores health and focus got me there. Did most of the damage. You still have to play hard and smart, it was close, but Fire Throw FTW.
I also killed it first try with FAT roll, shield but high defensor so health was managable cause of armor also zero additional stats into health. So yeah it is not true you need fast build for success.
I needed multiple attempts. I’m also not that good in such games, so I needed a while to learn to parry his attacks. Parrying also charges the focus bar, so I could just parry → special attack → special attack that deals a lot of damage.
I have the impression that the first boss is harder than the enemies encountered before, but if you can either, parry, dodge or cheese (e.g. throw mass bombs or become “immortal” through dodging around and multiple healing items) you should be fine. Seems alright for a first boss.
I put on my bloodborne hat and face dodged everything. REALLY impressive mechanical design.