I think most people do this game with mostly melee.
I stubbornly stuck to a stealthy ranged approach for most of the game, till I found magic. There were pros and cons when it came to mistlands.
Most opponents could close distance but telegraphed their attacks. Running far enough back to create an opening for a shot was ineffective but I found that I could sidestep them pretty easily or goad them into taking a swing that would miss. Then I would shoot them in the face while moving backward.
Conserving stamina was key and speed helped to stay one step ahead of multiple opponents.

I know what you're thinking; "Why not just use a melee weapon?"
... get out.