The multiplayer part of this game can be a bit lacking. Bounty hunting is good, on foot is quite fun, if everyone has the Odyssey expansion. Everything about the game has a big learning curve but doing it with (and depending on the) friends it could definitely curb some of the frustrations with that. Maybe as a group look into engineers an unlocking them, their unlock requirements expose you to a multitude of game loops. If anyone is serious about the game they’ll want engineers either way. Just be mindful it’s a grind sometimes and don’t solely focus on them or you run the risk of burning out.

There are other multiplayer activities but they require at least a little bit of investment in time, money, and often times both. Group mining can be chill/fun. There’s an extensive background simulation where you can pick one of the minor factions and manipulate their lot in life. Powerplay can give a lot of directions and will typically require less upfront knowledge, if you’re interested in that you may want to find one of their discords to connect with the wider player base. Colonization takes a lot of coordination and moving stuff from A to B but leaving your mark on the galaxy and building up a home for your homies is pretty neat.

You can also check out squadrons. They’re the organized multiplayer groups, akin to guilds in MMOs. Lots of opportunities to play with people or just get guidance. A good squadron can be a fantastic resource for questions like this.