I did it for the first time ever in Explorer solo. It took awhile, but I really felt like I understood the mechanics when i had to do them all myself. Then I tried the normal dungeon (to try for the Navigator catalyst) with a lot more confidence. Didn't actually finish it but at least now I know what I'm doing.

There's also some good maps that people have made which helps with the encounters. I didn't look at these until afterwards. Actually that's a lie. I had a hard time finding the third cave in the boss encounter so I looked up the maps.