I can definitely understand people's frustration with Mistlands. But after hitting a certain benchmark, I love them.

I love the mist. I love the storms. I love the Gjall. I love the Seekers. I love the mines. I love the Devergr.

When I first arrived, I would have cursed the devs up and down when I was deep in the mistlands and a 1 star seeker hit me with a death from above attack resulting in a THREE HOUR rescue mission -- during which I died 3 more times :-(, two of which without skill drain :(:(:(:( .

But I said to myself: "You're going to find those effing mines. You're going to unlock the Mistland's secrets" and I pushed on. I pushed, and I pushed until I finally found it..

I highly recommend making your first push into the Mistlands from a connected Plains or Black Forest biome. Set up an outpost right on the edge so you have a somewhat safe place to operate from. Then focus on gathering wisps and Yggdrasil wood. With enough time and patience, you can clear the mist (and spawns) from entire regions of Mistlands.

Mistlands is hard and it sucks, just like every new / first-time entrance into a biome. The Mistlands itself is like a boss. Beat it. Tame it. Show it who the true master of Valheim really is.

Oh, and if you're having trouble with Devergr, remember, they tend to stay in the same place. Arm yourself with Fenris > Piss off a Gjall > Introduce that Gjall to those Devergr. Use the Mistlands against them.