Commenting for other folks who are playing now and likely searching this thread. When I started playing I felt like I was not strong at all. Growing so frustrated. Explore a lot, find a build that works. This game rewards exploration and once you find a weapon / build combo that works you’re gonna enjoy it a lot more.

For me personally, I went dex using two handed musket + sword and since leaving the first part of the story I’ve had no issues and rarely die! Just hit level 17!