First of all:
This is an Alpha!
Balance is still of and this is most likely not the final state of the game. The skill and attribute system just got a huge rework. Even more a reason why the balance is of. Mages for example feel at the moment in general pretty weak in my opinion. Same goes for 2-handed.
Second:
This will never be a grind fest, because there are no respawns. But there are many possibilities to exploit mechanics to cheese the stuff, if you so desire. Also the hard part is the part before the fort, after the fort and attaining some stuff and a variety of skills, the game easens up. Perhaps to much.
Third:
There is also the Explorer mode, if you tried on Classic so far. That mode should be easier.
