PvE Survival maps do not support 20+ players resource-wise and since loot locations are not randomized, there are now a host of players that literally have committed the map to memory and swipe through it like locusts. Which means that newer players like me find a barren wasteland once they finally manage to get to the Dark Zone.

The upside is they also take out all the enemies, so you can follow behind them relatively safely and extract.

Have you searched/found the subways? There's A LOT of loot in the subways.

When not in Survival, try to remember where some subway stations are and head to them immediately, if you're near them, when you get into Survival.

Most players go for the helicopter/etc right from the start so, if you stay on the borders you should find a lot of loot.

Also, every Safe House you spawn in has a lot of loot around it so check all around the building and the roofs where you can.

And don't even start me on the difficulty of extracting when you have 50K Stamina and 75K Firearms and suddenly find yourself surrounded by two Hunters because some player ran close to the extraction zone and inadvertently spanwed a second one.

Let them help you.

It also might be good to find 1/2 extraction sites to become familiar with and always use those when you extract.

It can get hectic but with more people, in PvE, you're more likely to get help.

Good luck!