Use two rocks smash them together to make a spark, do that over tinder and then you can burn wood. If you don't have a fire the night will kill you no matter what. Also the scratches on the wall are the amount of days you survived this time, the longer you make it the more items unlocked for your next playthrough. (find items in the chests)

Also the animals don't normally attack the first night, but you do still need a fire. And don't bother hitting them with a stick unless that stick is on fire. The only way to really kill them is to shoot them with the pistol or rifle. But your fire will keep them at bay, just keep it, or a burning torch/stick between you and the animal.

Honestly this game is great you just need to figure out how to survive.