The beta is not working for me. I'd rather start this game out fresh and build my character. Right now my inventory is just bloated with gear and items. I feel like I've taken over the profile of someone that has played this for 70 hours...
Just run around and hit things, ignore the items apart from healing.
The pole is there to see the relative attack strength of each hit in a combo.
And try different weapons to see what suits your playstyle.
There are some useful items in there though, paralyze and poison knives are handy, so is the life powder and attack /armor boost powder.
Try to fight Nergigante Chalice, he can 1 hit ko you, as the armor and weapon are all low level.
Will of course be nice to build your preferred set in the main game. I always mix up the demo armor, to give me an attack boost.
@chalice, thought you found it too easy, with your comment about taking over a 70+ hours account. Nergigante is definitely a challenge if you haven't tried everything in the beta / worked out for favorite weapon.