Originally posted by Cap'n Bells:

Swamp is "the step up" i didnt like it when i only had swamp level gear.. but it forces you to play differently and be cautious.. i mean no disrespect but in hindsight its the first biome that separates the "wannabees from the warriors" and now i like that its a challenge and will surprise early players.. It doesnt work out at all well for "run n gunner" players in the swamp.. i suggest the hoe and the map being your friends .. i use the hoe to raise pathways to avoid the leeches. and i place the circle pin on the map frequently to pathway the raised ground for quick exits when .... stuff happens :-) GL and Skall !

I didn't use the hoe that much during my swamp trips(only for carting iron). Granted I played with a group, BUT I also had solo moments where others where offline and I was doing my thing in the swamps alone. I died a lot too.

What worked for me was a similar cautious strategy, but not as tedious as what you suggest. The swamp is basically a set of islands connected through shallow waters, with deep waters between them. The key for me was to walk not as 'the bird flies' but from place to place through shallow sections like a maze.

And while doing scouting intsensely and sniping mobs as much as I could, and at least let them come to me and fight melee on my terms. Then move on when a section was cleared. I only died due to panic runs after being surprised, drawing chains of more mobs while running and then getting stuck or getting into deep waters.

My advice would be to keep the topography of the swamp in mind. Snipe mobs from a distance as much as possible. Bring poison resist. Stand your ground and slowly retreat with your shield up if you get caught by a mob, don't panic run away. Be ready to parry or dodgeroll, and attack after.