The area as a whole is definitely significantly more difficult, though it's a lot easier if you're chill with the hobs. I cleared it OK at 16 with Metatron and then Aspasia.
If you can't beat it on the first try I think that's fine tho, enemies give a LOT of XP so it's not actually that much grinding, and resting after every fight or returning to camp gives heals with no real consequences.