It's true that level does have an effect on how many encounters you get. A lot of guides suggest to run from unnecessary fights but honestly I think you're going to screw yourself if you don't get stronger as early as possible. Granted, I haven't finished the game yet but I haven't lost a single heart so far doing this. Also if this is your first playthrough BRING KIPPEI. He's easily the best party member. He has just enough strength to wield the stronger weapons without penalty (he can dual-wield certain combinations of weapons too), only has one phobia, and his backpack passive is a godsend in a game where inventory management is crucial. You can pick him as your 3rd and your preferred waifu as your partner if you only want hetero content (BL is off by default of course but apparently a phobia of males is common here
)... but seriously, he makes the game so much easier.
Battle formation should be:
1st: Highest level partner (preferably your Berserk dps)
2nd: Homura
3rd: Back-up partner. Can be given support items or specialized items that deal increased damage to enemies common in the area.
Battles are pretty simple. Let the first party member's fear build up until they're berserk. This will cause their damage to go up drastically and end battles much faster. Faster battles = less fear taken + more exp = less future encounters. Once they're berserk have Homura cover the 1st position while they deal massive damage with berserk crits. Homura will take reduced damage if either he or the first party member is targeted this way. Third party member is flexible and can do whatever. Monitor your exp and fear carefully so that you don't waste precious recovery items. Once you come across new segments of the game when enemies get stronger and offer more exp you can rotate the 1st and 3rd positions every time they level up so that the one with the most fear is in front. Heal Homura if he's at risk of losing a heart and not about to level up.
This strategy isn't flawless, however. Some enemies can cause Homura to become unable to act. Take extra precautions to have spare recovery items in case Homura gets paralyzed while guarding. There's also the slim chance that the 3rd party member gets targeted so I don't suggest leaving them in the berserk state for an extended period of time if you can help it.
And yeah like others have said, avoid dark spaces when possible, don't over-encumber yourself with weapons that are too heavy, and use Give Up to restart from the beginning with your levels carried over if you must. You'll be able to catch back up to where you were relatively quickly since you know what to do and you'll get less encounters being overleveled.
If anyone with more experience than me would like to correct me, feel free... but it's worked great so far!
