If you don't like the terrain you were given, change it. Hoes, pickaxes and hammers aren't just for bases. Make better pathways with hoes in the swamps and pickaxes in the mountains instead of swimming everywhere and sliding around constantly.

Build small shelters on top of rocks for added defense. Same for workbenches and portals. Up a tree works well too if you don't need a fire. If you do need a fire and don't have a handy rock, refer back to the rule above.