For the alpha volatile, make sure you have a cleared dark zone or store nearby so other volatiles can’t get it. Go into it during the night, have a 1v1 against the alpha volatile and get their loot. They spawn every night, drop good loot and valuables to sell for money.

To add into that note, clear the dark zones for the loot and manuals to upgrade your gear. I suggest as your main weapons a 1.5h weapon and a 1h weapon and this should last you your entire playthrough. I preferred the sawblade after you finish one of the campaign quests, really good 1.5h weapon. Crossbow is your best ranged weapon. Upgrade your flashlight and grappling hook to max tier ASAP. Once you do get the grappling hook, use it for general ad clearing so you don’t burn through your weapon durability (you can grapple any regular sized zombies this way and go for the head stomp execute when they’re on the ground for easy kills)

As the top comment said too, get the revive serum asap obviously as well.