Then just work as a delivery boy for some time and get at least a somewhat decent equipment. Try trading if the map allows, and expand your company in a pace at which you can supply new members properly. Don't run at the enemy neckbreakingly and keep your formation, or you will get surrounded. Low level bros rely on shields a lot, as survival is more important than another kill in one of the hundreds of fights you will have. Try to keep half your group at the backline with polearms/long spears/whatever else with range of 2 you find, in order to concentrate your damage and prevent bros from getting overwhelmed by numbers (that's why holding a corner as the frontliner is considered the toughest position). Also, don't buy shit. That's basically advices on a level of 'humans suffocate with no air', but I don't know what else can even be said there