The grind seems to get only worse. Because you can't teleport metals, you still need copper for the forge, and you need to build a new base for the metal in the area after the black forest you will have to repeat the copper grind. At least as enough to get a new forge + upgrades. Then you still have to do the new metal grind. With stronger enemies.

But first you need to find a suitable new area after the black forest. I have yet to find one big enough despite my sailing and exploring over the last few days.