I’m a little confused about the progression in the game. My workbench is level 3, but there’s nothing more I can do to level it up. I have leather gear, and some weapons upgraded to level 3. I beat the first boss (LoS ftw) side note his special power is awesome.

Anyway the crow is sending me to the Black Forest now. But the skeletons and shamans and trolls one shot me. I’ve died like 10 times now.. well 2 times to trees crushing me, I still love this game don’t take this as complaining. The crow said something about a smelter and copper. Will that upgrade my workbench to level 4? Should I do that and upgrade further before heading deep into the Black Forest? Will unlocking the smelter give me access to better gear?