For the most part January enemies aren't that strong, so the usual Charge > Grab > Pound (repeatedly) strategy works well. But tbh I'd just avoid wasting energy on battling if you're struggling to win - this month there are tons of encounters that give event current currency without battling, so it's just using up tons of energy for very little gain (or none at all, if you lose). Skip over battle encounters and focus on picking the options from other explore encounters that avoid using energy and give the most leather beetles: wiki link

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Personally, I use the method of Charge > bite > swipe > rest (if you've been hit twice) > alternate bite and slash until you win or grapple and in that case pound > kick

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