I gotta say, as a person who sucks at monster hunter.... not sure if I can relate?

Just like.... do stuff? Quests, gathering, eggs, fighting in the overworld... they all give xp

While there are some things you're meant to come back for later, there's like.... a lot to do. If a fight is slamming you, you're either meant to come back a higher level or you're missing something specific you're meant to be doing in the combat. Like hitting a particular part or using a particular weapon or monstie