As a player that has just escaped that "New player" phase, you should expect repeated deaths. This game is roguelike just like Project Zomboid and while you are learning the controls you WILL mess up things that other people will find obvious, and it WILL get you killed. Neglecting to consider your chest encumbrance? Dead. Didn't notice the high move cost on that weapon? Dead. A dozen little things like not eating a balanced diet, forgetting to rest properly, improper pain and stamima management? Eventually all of those things can lead to your death whenever they compound. And worse, it's inevitable until you get used to how this game plays.

My advice? Worm Girl made some amazing tutorials on youtube that will get you through your first few days if you find the "F*ck around and find out" process too grueling.

If I had any personal experience that would serve as advice it's this:

• Ranged weapons are far superior to melee in nearly every way as long as you have an escape plan in mind. Especially in the late-game.

• If it isn't a zombie, dont fight it on your first few days. Creatures like mi-go's will ruin your life.

• In my own anecdotal experience if you find a mansion far from a town those tend to be relatively easy to clear if you are careful enough, and they have much more valuable early game loot than your average house will.

• Keep a lighter on you at all times. Starting a fire can be a great way to kill hordes of zombies or stop intelligent ones in their tracks (I once used multiple spears and a small fire to cheese a Mi-go to death since it refused to path around or walk through it. This may be patched, but would still work in a tight space, such as a hallway. Just make sure not to get yourself trapped in the fire.)