Bloodbourne is my first souls game! And I need advice…

I started playing Bloodbourne and I’m getting the hang of it somewhat but even being on what I think is the second level after defeating the first boss with a health bar, I just realized I could extend my axe pressing L1 lol. I don’t understand what the cold blood items are or half the items that aren’t Molotovs or pebbles. Any items that you use in a pinch, videos you watch to understand the combat etc. would be appreciated.

I started playing Bloodbourne and I’m getting the hang of it somewhat but even being on what I think is the second level after defeating the first boss with a health bar, I just realized I could extend my axe pressing L1 lol. I don’t understand what the cold blood items are or half the items that aren’t Molotovs or pebbles. Any items that you use in a pinch, videos you watch to understand the combat etc. would be appreciated.