>>717776620
don't get too attached to your first dozen or so characters, in fact feel free to play like a suicidal retard at first just to test what you can/can't realistically survive and try some of the wackier traits
early game priorities are weapons, tools, clothes esp. a decent backpack, transportation (bikes are often in workable shape, running cars are rare but not impossible to find) and books roughly in that order, with a goal of establishing a base outside of the city ASAP so you can build up your skills and gear in relative safety. Food is everywhere in the early game so don't load yourself up on it. Also be prepared to ditch items before a fight if you can't otherwise avoid it, engaging in melee on a low-skill character with a fully loaded backpack is essentially a death sentence
night raiding is VERY powerful, even if it's a lot less easymode than it used to be. Night Vision trait + a shopping cart can let you strip entire neighborhoods dry in a single night with very little risk
Always remember that CDDA is turnbased and you shouldn't ever feel pressured. Just take your time, play it safe and check your keybinds if you can't remember how to do something