I'm also not sure if I've just really unlucky, but coming back since sometime under version 0.8, I don't think I've been able to get further than night 5 or 6 with the Archer. Max level, and Mastery is at 19. I've tried different load-outs, but the outcome is pretty much the same thing each time. No matter what skills I pick up, even under best-case scenario talent trees, there just end up being too many enemies around day 5 to keep up with. The best run I've had gave me piercing shots and 3-hit mechanic on about the 3rd day, but even that wasn't enough.
I'm not sure what else to try with the Archer. The only thing that really seems to matter early on is attack speed, and unless the talent tree is loaded with it, I just die.