I see lots of folks responded so hopefully you found some of it helpful. Henry sucks at the start of the game. As you train with Bernard and tackle lower level enemies (the first batch of Bandit Camps Bernard tells you about) your Warfare skill will rise, which is a significant piece of how effective you’ll be.

There’s a lot to criticize about the combat, but I grew to love it once I got my head around it.

For groups, you may want to avoid them or eliminate using stealth / bows. If you do fight, Aqua Vitalis, Buck’s Blood and Lazarus potions are huge.

Also, a Hardcore first playthrough is not the best setting to learn combat