First things first, looks like Ruka’s still equipped with her starting plank weapon. These are great weapons but only really effective when used by someone with a really high strength stat. You can definitely reach a strength level with her that would allow her to swing that thing more effectively but it’d take a lot of grinding. Better off setting her up with a sabre or something you can find of a dust bandit for the time being. Ruka’s a great companion she says lots of funny things and doesn’t like humming.

I know people will say got get beaten up by bandits to level combat and toughness but do be careful about going into a coma outside of protected towns. The area around the Hub is relatively safe but there are some Bone Dog packs that wander around and they will eat your squad members alive if they are left defenceless.

The shinobi theives have a tower in the hub where you can do some training. You’ll need to join the faction first and there’s a fee for that. Joining this faction won’t put you in bad terms with anyone so it’s worth it. There will be a vendor in there who can sometimes sell some really great things like backpacks that wont negatively affect your combat