Optimal Settings for a challenging but enjoyable (not frustrating) playthrough?

Hello all. I recently purchased Palworld on steam and started a fresh playthrough. Partly because of the release hype partly because it has been a long time since I touched this game. (I played 2 years ago shortly after the Sakurajima expansion via GAME PASS).

Since I am generally speaking more of a veteran survival game player I didnt want the experience to be too easy and over within 2-3 days so I thought hard mode is a good idea but honestly ... I do not enjoy it at all so far. Its a bit on the extreme side imo. I dont mind the damage or dying quickly but my armor breaks within 3 hits and I constantly have to repair it. My shield tanks 1 hit (which is totally fine) but then when fighting 2-3 pals at the same time, there is no way I get out of the fight without either losing my armor or dying.

Any suggestions which stats I should tinker with? Aside from "Damage to Player" to have an enjoyable but challenging experience?