>>723827393
>It's one of the games that requires the highest amount of metaknowledge in order to even get started
Fuck off no it isn't. It's just punishing if you make bad decisions and don't read what your skills does. Even me as a kid without knowing english and thinking Morale meant 3 eagles in row could beat the campaign and many of the maps.

>>723826787
If you aren't sure you can clear some neutral monsters, then save. I did that as a kid and still do sometimes.
Rule of thumb for me has been that if it's range monsters, avoid on early levels. And don't be afraid to play on easy difficulty at first when learning the game. It isn't about playing optimally or picking meta options, but about playing on your own pace, reading what skills does what. Eagle Eye is shit. Almost everything else goes.
Use preferably manual saves over autosaves.

It's over...

Might it is