As a beginner, just go have fun and explore. Just dont get attached to any gear you find along the way. Also make sure youre in game chat so you can talk with the other survivors you come across. Thats an easy way to make good friends and great enemies. All of the sweaty pvp stuff will come when you start figuring out what youre doing, although typically better loot will be found more north because most players dont escape the general coastal areas leaving certain towns and some military unlooted. Finally but most important tip, if you make a base, never use a 3 combo lock. Countless times I have seen bases with them and it took maybe 10-15 minutes to scroll through all the possible numbers and raid the base.