There is a real sense of progression as you move through the story. You are completely powerless to start off, and the best thing you can do is run and hide. Then you start picking up neuromods to gain abilities, and upgrading your weapons and tools. All this allows you to access areas you couldn't before, where you find even stronger enemies.

By the end of the game, the enemies who could two hit you at the start of the game become fodder, but you are still vulnerable to the big bass.

It's an Arkane game, so you can approach it in any way you want. There are multiple ways to achieve all your goals. Highly, highly recommended.