I started as Hunter, which makes the game fairly easy, imo. I'm using a Sticky Compound Long Bow +5 (S rank Dexterity mod, holy fuuuuck), Quality Winged Spear +5(C rank Strength and Dexterity mod), Dark Silver Shield(100% physical and magical block), and Adjudicator Shield (minor regen effect).
I've also got a Demonbrandt (which works wonders considering I've got Pure White Character Tendency), and a Northern Regalia (for when I start working on Pure Black CT). Both of those are pimp ass weapons, and the Demonbrandt in general helped me get past Boletarian Palace's archfiend, what with taking 600+ damage per strong attack.
Started my New Game+, though. Gotta say, even with all my upgraded weapons Phalanx+ took much longer than he did in the first cycle. Probably because I took out all the minions with Firebombs, and they took barely 10% of their total health bar this time.
EDIT: Although I might upgrade the Winged Spear I get from this cycle into a Sharp Winged Spear +5, since I'm pumping a lot of soul levels into DEX anyway. But I'm not sure if an E STR/S DEX mod is better or worse at 99 on both stats than C/C.