Dunno why people treat public test patches as though they're released. I'd say yes once the update actually hits but no, it's not worth playing the public test and screwing up your saves if you don't want to back them up. It's just a test, after all.

Biggest self imposed handicap for me is no bows. I use spears for ranged, hard to get the hang of but really effective once you do. Bows just make the game such a cakewalk. If melee is still too easy, then remove the helmet from your armor and progress like normal.