Dunno if any server is truly 'friendly', but on ours, when you respawn (mod) it is with a pistol, ammo, small backpack. we do have bandits, but get off the coast, head north, stay off the road, as you travel noisy that way. Move in the grass on the side and weave amongst trees, bushes, always on the lookout for zombies. Avoid the bigger towns; these are prime hunting grounds for bandits. Airstrips, factories, grocery stores, schools are prime loot areas, sure to draw the rough and tumble crowd. best to do your looting in smaller areas, devoid of movement or vehicles. Look; Listen; Stay hidden. Approach NO ONE. Tough learning curve to this game. In mod, type Proteus in the filter. We have vent. Our Admin is a good one. I have Standalone, but choose to play Mod for now. I'll play Alpha when I get better at this! LOL