It's empty because it's post-apocalyptic.
Also the weapons are fine. Git Gud. If you can't put tree branches to use and save your good weapons for the enemies you should you're just bad at the game.
Side note: MM is excellent. It's Link's story, not Hyrule's story, and that's why it's such a departure from the lore. Not everything about a foreign country you're never supposed to feel at home in no matter how many times you play the game needs to be explained or connected to "OH NO, THE PIG MONSTER IS BACK"