This game can be played how one wishes. In my opinion with 1000 plus hours in the game this is what I suggest.
Starting Out for New Players
Play the Olympus Map first and learn the game on this map. You can easily spend more than 600 hours on this map. At this point you do not need to purchase any dlcs.
Map Setting: Normal mode is not difficult and it is the one I suggest you choose when first playing. You can create multiple maps but do not name these the same name otherwise one will over ride the other.
Your Objective
Level 1 to 15: To reach level 15 and build yourself a stone base ASAP. This should be your priority as a wooden base can catch fire with thunderstorms/lightning or by stepping onto a fire. From here you should set your sights on completing all 55 plus missions. These missions will introduce you to different parts of the map and provide free tools you can use when completed such as Beacon markers and Solar Panels.
BY completing these missions you are going to earn in game currency called REN. With this currency you can purchase workshop items you can use in game or take with you on your next map run.
Level 50 to 60: Unlock and craft the Manufacturer work bench so you can make the lithium sickle.
Leveling Up
From there:
- Build a base and Upgrade it when needed.
- Farm materials such as fibre wood etc.
- Kill and process animals.
- Harvest ore and exotics from caves.
- Use xp foods to boost your xp.
- Upgrade older Tier workbenches and tools with newer ones when next tier levels are reached.
- Complete Simple Missions and work on completing missions.
Map Exploration Tips
Always carry with you a mini base that consists of 2 Stone/Concrete Bases, 8 walls, and 2 Stone Roofs.
Always carry with you a fire place. A MXC Fireplace can be purchased from the Workshop. Do not forget the coal.
Always carry with a bedroll. A MXC Cot can be purchased from the Workshop.
If you get caught in a storm along your travels, you can always set up base, cook food, or go to sleep for the rest boost.
Mortar and Pestle
You can also carry a mortar and pestle just in case you come across a mammoth or 2 and elephants if travelling near these biomes. You can process the tusks to crashed bones and then make epoxy. You can only carry 1 tusk, and if you have a mount, it can carry a 2nd. There have been instances where I found more than 2 by killing a couple of mammoths, then killing an elephant.