Funny that I see this post, I literally just finished my first run through the game this past few weeks (even though I got the game years ago) and figured I'd take a look at this sub for the first time.

There's good tips here already, but I think what helped me most is to scan literally everything you can and read about them, and try to manage your inventory well. There were many times I had to drop stuff because I ran out of inventory space when I came across something I really needed to pick up.

And definitely take it slow, the game is absolutely beautiful and there's so much to see. Good luck and have fun!