There isn't much in terms of hand holding, that is for sure. If you want an easier first go at it, whilst still having a chance at experiencing all the game has to offer, I would go with the following custom difficulty settings (tweak these in the Settings or similar named menu BEFORE starting a new game):
Hunger speed: 50%
50%
100%
50%
150%
50%
50%
100%
Food value: 200%
50%
50%
150%
150%
Damage received: 50%
100%
I left in three of the names so that you can make sure you got them right.
As for what and how to do things, always check your map for icons of interest and if you have any, go there and check it out (also, talk to people, and actually read what they say, loot trash bins and trash cans, trade with kids, and so on). There are guides out there (reddit, gamefaqs) for details on the survival aspects as well as on what to do and on which day. If you do not mind checking some out that will definitely help. If you don't like using guides, here is a quick list of hints on what you can do on day 1 (if you pick up any quests do them as soon as you can of course):
Your dad's house; Soul-and-a-Half Fortress; Bad Grief; Shelter / Lara Ravel; Ferrymen for fast travel; Fat / Big Vlad around 8 pm; Broken Heart Pub (twyrine can give you more icons on the map, but check the description to see if it is worth consuming at the given moment); the "bizarre creature" if you have the icon for it; when you get the message that the day is over (midnight) go to the Theatre and watch the performance (new one every midnight); Dead Item Shop.
This should get you going.
There isn't much in terms of hand holding, that is for sure. If you want an easier first go at it, whilst still having a chance at experiencing all the game has to offer, I would go with the following custom difficulty settings (tweak these in the Settings or similar named menu BEFORE starting a new game):
Hunger speed: 50%
50%
100%
50%
150%
50%
50%
100%
Food value: 200%
50%
50%
150%
150%
Damage received: 50%
100%
I left in three of the names so that you can make sure you got them right.
As for what and how to do things, always check your map for icons of interest and if you have any, go there and check it out (also, talk to people, and actually read what they say, loot trash bins and trash cans, trade with kids, and so on). There are guides out there (reddit, gamefaqs) for details on the survival aspects as well as on what to do and on which day. If you do not mind checking some out that will definitely help. If you don't like using guides, here is a quick list of hints on what you can do on day 1 (if you pick up any quests do them as soon as you can of course):
Your dad's house; Soul-and-a-Half Fortress; Bad Grief; Shelter / Lara Reval; Ferrymen for fast travel; Fat / Big Vlad around 8 pm; Broken Heart Pub (twyrine can give you more icons on the map, but check the description to see if it is worth consuming at the given moment); the "bizarre creature" if you have the icon for it; when you get the message that the day is over (midnight) go to the Theatre and watch the performance (new one every midnight); Dead Item Shop.
This should get you going.
There isn't much in terms of hand holding, that is for sure. If you want an easier first go at it, whilst still having a chance at experiencing all the game has to offer, I would go with the following custom difficulty settings (tweak these in the Settings or similar named menu BEFORE starting a new game):
Hunger speed: 50% 50% 100% 50% 150% 50% 50% 100% Food value: 200% 50% 50% 150% 150% Damage received: 50% 100%
I left in three of names so that you can make sure you got them right.
As for what and how to do things, always check your map for icons of interest and if you have any, go there and check it out (also, talk to people, and actually read what they say, loot trash bins and trash cans, trade with kids, and so on). There are guides out there (reddit, gamefaqs) for details on the survival aspects as well as on what to do and on which day. If you do not mind checking some out that will definitely help. If you don't like using guides, here is a quick list of hints on what you can do on day 1 (if you pick up any quests do them as soon as you can of course):
Your dad's house; Soul-and-a-Half Fortress; Bad Grief; Shelter / Lara Reval; Ferrymen for fast travel; Fat / Big Vlad around 8 pm; Broken Heart Pub (twyrine can give you more icons on the map, but check the description to see if it is worth consuming at the given moment); the "bizarre creature" if you have the icon for it; when you get the message that the day is over (midnight) go to the Theatre and watch the performance (new one every midnight); Dead Item Shop.
This should get you going.