Looking for early game build help

[Knight Siegfried]

So I've not played this game in years, not since it originally launched and have some questions.

Especially considering how harder and more complicated mechanics the game has added with PvP being forced onto the PvE section, what can I do properly defend myself?

At the moment, I'm using full IV outstanding gear of knight's armor, bag, cape and a claymore with duel swords I switch often.

However, even with this gear doing harder IV dungeons like Hallowed Crpyt is nigh impossible with the huge enemies doing massive damage to me and tanking my hits like I was hitting them with a rubber chicken. The random IV dungeons or solo expeditions however easy AF to do. I've yet to go into any PvP sections since I doubt any of my gear would hold up in a fight let alone a gank especially considering how everyone would already have max tiered gear with all the works

So what's the problem I'm dealing with then? Are swords and heavy armor just really bad? Do I need the best quality and enchanted armor/weapons of IV to even attempt doing those dungeons? Is the equipment I use simply just not viable anymore?

I'd appreciate any help on this, thank you.

[Junior]

This may help there

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN-lFmNy72Y
(6 PERFECT Starter Builds For New Players)

and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccNO7dqYz7Y
(Albion Online Open World Meta Q2 2022!)