I’m in the same boat. I’ve made some headway but they weren’t kidding, it’s hard! I’m still struggling on new maps managing my time between building defenses and ramping up industry. I definitely prefer the part after finishing waves where I can relax and perfect my build.
Haven and Hearth. It’s apparently a fairly old MMO, and I think I picked it up after it’s mostly dead, but it’s still a bit fun. The low population left in the game honestly might be saving me from grief while still learning the game.
It got the visuals, difficulty, and finality of Zomboid, but more of a rust style game play where you’re just a naked person with rocks and sticks building huts. I still don’t know fully what I’m doing, the goal is still just don’t die.