I don't think it is. It's just that meadows is the "tutorial" biome as not a single enemy poses a threat to you unless you stand still.
But once you go to the dark forest real battle starts and that's when the bubble pops. As in you can't keep playing like in the "tutorial". You have to dodge or parry, assess danger, don't pick fights you can't win and use the different types of weapons you have. And also try not to get surrounded. In the meadows enemies don't spawn in big groups, but in other biomes they do and they can easely overwhelm you if you go Leroy Jenkins mode.

As for tips:
- The combat in this game is merely a gear check. Let's call each biome 1,2,3,etc. If you're in biome 3 but have biome 2 level gear maxed you can confront enemies there with caution. If your gear is not maxed or you still have biome 1 gear it will be extra difficult. If you have biome 3 gear it will get easier as you level it up and if you have biome 4 gear in biome 3 you can tank enemies and almost even ignore them while you mind your business.
- Food plays a big role on top of the gear. Not just for health but more stamina means hitting and running more before you get winded. Make sure you get the best foods before exploring.
- Bow with fire arrows on Dark Forest is basically easy mode. If you see shamans kill them first.
- I see a lot of people that favour using shields and parrying for combat. I prefer using knockback area weapons. 2H hammers can kill enemies through walls (very handy in dungeons, I wouldn't go into a dungeon without the first 2H hammer you can craft unless you get good with shields) and in the open you can wait for the enemies to charge their blow, back up out of their range and then wind up your attack that will knock them back. This way small enemies will never touch you, even if they're many. Against bigger foes I use bow always even if it's less efficient (I'm not risking getting 100-0'd).