i make sure im always under the effects of the anti-poison mead and use a sword and shield to fight then Block and stab when you have stam

to start...
- stay away at night for now
- pay attention. there are hard to see enemy all over.
- avoid monster spawner piles for now
- use poison resist mead the first few times you go in
- blobs have an aoe toxic attack. if you can zerk-smack and kill one after it hops, it won't have time to do it. If you lack the damage to do that, use a bow and do not let them get close. the big ones split into 2 normal ones...
- use the hoe. level the ground until you can walk across safely. Ignore leeches for now. You may want to map-mark your hoe path to reuse.
-Do not get into water deeper than your knees for now. Later farm leeches with a bow, but wait until you upgrade your bow.
- blunt weapons are generally better here
- stay on the edge and try to encounter each enemy 1x1 to see what they do an if you can beat one. Draghr, skeletons, blobs.

Originally posted by klirko:

I get instantly killed, and I don't want bronze armor because it makes you so slow. What do I do?

Also who in the world would make a water based biome with possibly the WORST swimming/walking through water mechanics in the entire steam page?

what armor and shield are you using?
what food are you eating?
what weapon do you have?
what's killing you?

Stay out of the water. If you cant go around, use a raft. The water has dangerous enemy, and you can run out of stamina fast.
Use poison protection potions. Most stuff will poison you there. Especially blobs.
Bring tons of arrows. And try to eliminate enemy from afar. Move slow and careful. Try not to attract mobs.
Done be afraid to retreat, and always retreat the way you came. It will be cleared of enemy.. Use the terrain and trees as cover and to slow up chasers.
And make sure you've got good food, so you can keep health and stamina up. Foods you make in a cauldron, not base foods.

edit: also make sure whatever armor/weapons you have are upgraded as much as can be. So they last longer before needing repairs.