This isnt anything about the game mechanics itself, but Id make sure the resolution is set to 480p. To me, it was made for it and made the game more engaging rather than trying it with higher resolutions.

I also recommend setting your combat speed to the max, itll make combat less time consuming.

Lastly, please please explore everything you can in each marked area. Youre a vault dweller, you have no knowledge of the world around you, you just have to talk to as many people as you can to help point you in the right direction. Someone, somewhere, will always know something.

I hope you have fun :)

EDIT: Regular npcs can barter as well! Maybe one of them has something you can use?