Starting out can be pretty rough especially with all the experienced players running around! I usually hop onto one of those beginner friendly servers first, since theres way less chance of running into super aggressive players there. Makes it easier to learn the basics, you know?

Something i learned the hard way is that staying away from the main roads and those big monuments really helps keep you alive. The forests and rocky areas are your best friends when youre just getting started, lots of places to duck behind if you spot someone coming your way.

I try to just grab what i absolutely need at first, like enough wood and stone for a tiny base and some basic tools. The more stuff youre carrying, the more nervous youll get trust me! Found a nice spot tucked away in the trees? Perfect time to throw down a sleeping bag, that way you wont lose all your progress if something goes wrong. Speaking of which, getting a bow and some arrows should be one of your first priorities, its saved my skin more times than i can count.

Good to know: one thing that really helped me was keeping my first base super small and hidden away. You dont want to build anything fancy right away since that just screams "raid me!" to other players. And if you ever feel like someones following you or the area seems sketchy, dont be afraid to just book it outta there. Sometimes running away is the smartest thing you can do!