The meta is an ever-changing, unpredictable mess consisting of one build at all times always. This build isn't designed to be the "new meta," but it may change the meta. That being said, I doubt the meta will shift noticably from a single guide, so... use my secrets wisely.

To beat the meta, a build has to be able to completely control the flow of combat. Spacing, behavior, and tactics used by both players are all things the "ideal build" should have. I believe that I have found this "ideal build."

That being said, my "ideal build" isn't for the weak of heart. This build is not for killing foes quickly or for looking amazing while is does so. It is for these reasons that I believe my build will not change the meta. Also it's probably bad.

So, what is my "ideal build?" Simple.

Armor: Literally anything, but you probably want lighter armor.

Rings: The three PVP rings (Stone Ring, Ring of Blades, and Chloranthy Ring) and one ring of your
choosing. I recommend the Ring of Restoration.

Right Hand: Whip. Just the standard whip. Don't infuse it with bleed or poison.

Left Hand: Dagger. Once again, just the standard one. Don't infuse it with bleed or poison.

Stats: I recommend medium-high vigor, high endurance, high adaptability, and bare minimum required everything else. You may increase your dex if you want more damage.

I'll be totally honest. I first made this build as a joke. I wanted to use underrated weapons, like the vanilla whip, in strange ways.

Imagine how shocked I was when I started winning.

First off, if you are using this build, please play honorably. That's one of the reasons I put the dagger in the left hand. This build isn't meant for insta-kills or massive combos. With your whip and dagger, you shall whittle away at the health and morale of your enemies alike. Now, to git gud.

General:
Your main strategy will be to manipulate spacing to the extreme. When your opponent is far away, punish them with your whip. When they try to close the distance, batter them with your dagger.

Whip:
The whip is your primary weapon. It is an extension of your body, and you must learn how to use it in like it is your own hand. You will hold it in your main hand to save those precious frames when switching from one-handed to two-handed.

Dagger:
The dagger is intended to fill in for the whip. When your opponent tries to get close to you, discourage them by showing them how fast your dagger can hit when you predicted their roll. The dagger can also be used to harass spell casters and other long-ranged builds.

Breaking Poise:
At the start of every duel, you need to figure out what it takes to break your opponent's poise. If you have the Stone Ring equipped, nothing should be able to deal with a two-handed R1 attack, but knowing their poise will give you a greater range of attacks to choose from.

Predictability:
Predictability is your enemy. As soon as you can be predicted, you can be defeated. Normally, a duel doesn't last long enough for this to be an issue. This is not a normal build. The more mixups you use, the higher your chances of winning. Change from one to two handed, from standing to rolling, from sprinting to backstepping. The epitome of whip mastery is when you can incorporate any attack in any scenario, without letting on which attack you will use.

Criticals:
A critical from a whip is the Souls equivelant to a slap on the wrist. You will not fish for criticals, but you will use them to teach your opponent how to better themself. If there is a foe who leaves their back exposed after every attack, let them know. If your opponent does not know the meaning of "too many running attacks," parry them to show them the error of their ways.

Your dagger is to be used for two things: protecting yourself from melee strikes and chasing down long-ranged fighters.

Yeah... that's all there is to it.

I guess you could try using the dagger to make yourself less predictable? Honestly, it's only there to fill in for the whip.

Bad Manners:
Don't use them.

Honor:
Let them buff, let them heal, but do not break tradition. Your skills are the only help you need. Bow at the start and end of every duel. Your only excuse for needing to heal is when you are fighting multiple opponents without aid.

Snobbishness:
When you write a guide on this build, you must enter with good intentions. Halfway through, however, you must convice yourself that you are the best person at PVP, even when you haven't played in a month. This section is my apology for how I talk throughout the guide. Sorry.

Hit people and don't dead.

PVE builds. Seriously.

By that, I mean it is weak to greatshields (which are normally found in PVE builds). Due to the build's lack of elemental damage and stamina drain, it will be difficult to break through a shield. If your opponent knows when to drop their shield, then you're gonna have a bad time.

The build is also weak to skilled players who can see through your baits and out-space your dagger. Katanas and straight swords are the most likely to slip past your defenses, but other weapons may be able to as well.

This section will be expanded as I have more ideas and as comments suggest improvements.

Duelist:
A more damage-focused varient of the original. The Duelist build can take advantage of criticals and powerstancing, allowing for a more aggressive playstyle. You will want high dexterity and endurance with this build.
Right Hand: Whip, Dagger
Left Hand: Parrying Dagger

Controller:
The Controller is designed to manipulate your enemy by making them panic. The poison of your whip will encourage them to aggressive, while the bleed on your dagger will do nothing because bleed is really weak for no reason will force them to back off.
Right Hand: Spotted Whip
Left Hand: Bleed Bandit's Knife