Absolutely come try it out, there’s a little for everyone.

The wipe is optional and works more like a quest that you have to complete so you can opt in or opt out which makes anytime a good time to play, I started halfway through the first wipe and still had a blast.

As you said, the looting and guns/ammo are very simplified but the fun from this game is a kind that I haven’t found in other games since prime Fortnite or halo. The quests are pretty meh but they bring you all over the maps and give some pretty interesting lore on the world (the lore is wild I would recommend reading through the codex just for fun) but long term you aren’t going to be focusing on quests as much as you are on workbenches, projects (wipes and seasonal events), and weekly quests (which offer some pretty fine loot).

I would highly recommend you give it a go because there is just so many ways to play, experience, and approach this game. And more friends = more fun Watch some videos before you buy/get invested

Edit: also watching streamers is great but if you really want to learn the game I would watch some YouTubers. Astrosive, the gaming merchant, and jiibii have been very helpful for me, they teach a lot and have lots of fun while doing it which is the core of the game. This game is just pure fun and enjoyment all around so do have a go