You spawn on the coast with a rag, maybe a chemlight, and empty status bars. The coast is the most dangerous place on the map because it is full of other fresh spawns and the geared players who hunt them. Here is the order that keeps most new survivors alive.
First hour, in order
- Check your status icons (bottom-right). Learn what thirsty, hungry and cold look like — see hunger, thirst & energy.
- Drink and eat. Find a well (hand pump) in any village for safe water, or fill a bottle. Eat anything safe — fruit off trees, canned food. Avoid raw meat and pond water for now.
- Get basic gear. Houses and sheds hold a bag, a knife, a jacket and a hat. A knife is your most important early tool.
- Move inland. The coast is a killing field. Head away from spawn towns toward the quieter interior.
- Stay off the roads and skylines. Hug tree lines, crouch, and listen. Most deaths come from being seen first.
Fresh-spawn mistakes
- Running into a big city for loot before you can defend yourself.
- Drinking straight from ponds — that is how you get cholera. Use wells or purify.
- Eating rotten or raw meat and getting food poisoning.
- Sprinting everywhere — it burns food and water fast and makes noise.
- Trusting a stranger's voice too soon. Keep distance until you know their intentions.
