I played for 12 full game hours before finding my first weapon. Another 6 after that before working up the nerve to kill my first zombie. Now? I run through cherno, ditch dozens of zombies that are hot on my tail in the MIDDLE of the most populated areas of the game and loot supermarkets/hospitals like a boss. Had over 400 zombie kills in 2 days before a bandit got me(my own fault, didn't change my position after covering a buddy with a sniper as he fought a bandit off). Sneak, crouch low, crawl on your belly, cut sharp corners, use hills when possible(run diagonal up them). Also always remember: THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE IN CHERNO.