Crystalith Boss Help!

I’ve spent all night- after having my booty handed to me yesterday- trying to gather all the tips to defeat the boss.

I figure I have to beat him at least once for the exploration club, right? Avoiding him isn’t an option. I tried running in and hiding in the bushes, but then my aiming/shooting was difficult and erratic- and he got me. Is there a safe place to stand/hide? Do the sentry bots help? Zephyria gave me five to start off, but I think I can buy more. I’m just so afraid to switch away from my slingshot for even a minute- even when I could have used the repair food. Is there anyway to get a better weapon/ammo before killing him this first time- or do I need to get through this to progress?

I know so many people say this is an easy one as far as combat goes, but as a person with severe anxiety, it really isn’t. Even just writing this now makes my heart race a bit.

I came across that video they made before it came out, promising that we wouldn’t have to do combat if we didn’t want to…. but I have seen so many others struggle with this, I’m not sure it’s true.

Thank you for any help/tips you can share. Maybe the title of this thread can be a searchable help for others.