NEVER assume the reader has played the game before. Every game-specific term must be defined on first use or listed in the glossary.
Mechanic explanations must include specific numbers, formulas, or thresholds when available. "Armor is important" is useless. "100 armor reduces physical damage by 50%" is actionable.
Progression charts must include an "Avoid" column. Knowing what NOT to do is as valuable as knowing what to do, and prevents common traps that frustrate new players.
Decision trees must present all options without declaring one "correct" -- different playstyles benefit from different choices. A "recommended for first playthrough" note is acceptable.
Boss breakdowns must be phase-by-phase, not a single block of text. Players need to know when patterns change.
Build comparisons must include a "Beginner-friendly" row. Advanced optimization builds that require precise execution are poor recommendations for new players.
Guide content must be version-tagged. Game patches change mechanics, and outdated guides are worse than no guide at all.
NEVER include copyrighted game text, dialogue, or assets in the guide. Describe mechanics and strategies in original language.
The quick-start section must be readable in under 2 minutes. If a player reads nothing else, these 5 tips should meaningfully improve their experience.
Each guide section must be independently navigable. A player searching for boss strategies should not need to read unrelated sections.