Well, you can solo at your level though. Just PUT your points in ONE stat, don't distribute until you reach affinity of that weapon (I learned a hard lesson about this ;_; ).
Vitality for Spear.
Power for Sword,Odachi and Axe.
Dexterity for Twin Sword and Bow.
Wise for Wand
Mind for Staff.
Anyway, this game just feels like an offline game with multiplayer option so if you are not in channel 1 it will be like ghost town.

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No leveling tips, you will only need to grind grind grind. If you need mags, you can either buy via coins or finishing quests which take a bit more effort and sometimes a friend to help.
1st grinding spot : Kishinden
2nd grinding spot : Byakkou Hell
3rd grinding spot : Shinoda Forest
4th grinding spot : Secluded Forest
5th grinding spot : Echigo Estate or any other place nearby like Grotto, Plover are famous hunting spot.