The beginner loop: observe → defend → make a short attack string → recover → add a spell.
Read before you react
Against ordinary enemies, begin by watching the wind-up. Learn the timing with Dodge first, then test Block and Parry before adding longer attack strings.
Two resources, two jobs
Stamina supports physical actions and defense. Concentration is used mainly by spells and magical abilities. Spending both bars at once removes your ability to answer the next attack.
Final Attack is part of the system
The third hit in the Basic Attack chain is a named interaction point. Passives, equipment effects and build mechanics may care about it, so do not cancel every chain automatically.
Defense is not lost damage
The safest damage window is the one you can leave. Keep enough Stamina for at least one core defensive action instead of treating a full combo as the default.