I’ve noticed. My damage is nowhere near as effective within the first few encounters. But I’ve learned not to take it so seriously. Bad boon buckets happen. Grab the best I can, go as far as I can. Repeat. I need to check some guides on which synergies work best so I can keep an eye out for those while I get more ambrosia for keepsakes.
I’m bouncing between the weapons that give me the bonus darkness but the fists and the railgun are probably my favorites.