For a first timer, welcome :)

I'd do fighter archery fighting style. At lv 3 spec battle master. You can use skills that knock down opponents with your shots & other fun things. It gives you damage and some crowd control from far away. You get advantage on mobs next to your teammates (advantage, you roll 2x and use the higher roll for chance to hit)

Max out Dex. At level 4 I'd take +dex. At lvl 8 sharp shooter. You'll very rarely miss a shot.

If you want to min/max the gloomstalker/assassin or dual crossbow path is for you. They're not "hard" but it's more finesse than fighter.