OK - so it's not a bug. I am just bad at it and the game got more difficult.
After the 5th reload, I did manage by running away while shooting - this ain't sim city
Now I am looking for a "more peaceful" mod.

I used to get past the tutorial level 3 without issues a year or so ago. Now I keep getting killed by repeat swarms of 6 small biters just after fixing the boiler pipes and before turrets or better guns are unlocked. :cry:

If bug - please fix.
If feature - please add easy mode for incompetent ...