Let's get this straight real quick, if you are brand new to this game and want to buy it, it can be anywhere from a 1-3 star game in your eyes. The game is full of a bunch of glitches, bugs, and somewhat odd mechanics. When starting off, you may find yourself absolutely hating the game, as some of the things that happen are fairly adgetating. Once you have put in some time to figure out some of the major flaws, and how to avoid or fix them, this game is one of the best out there by far. You can do just about anything in this game, from PVP to roleplay. People you meet on this game will most likely be from your worst nightmares, but alot of the time you can meet people that you will know forever. Ever since my first day, I still play with friends that I made on day 1. However, do not trust anyone off the bat. The game can be extremely relaxing and laid back, if you play it that way and avoid the toxic or sweaty players. But if you want some major action, you can jump into a heavily populated PVP server and battle for hours. Personally, I give the game 5/5 now that I have learned how to prevent and fix a lot of the possibly game-ruining glitches and bugs. There is so much to do and learn in this game that I find it very hard to get bored of it. From the people, to the gameplay, this game will test your guts. Do not buy this game if you are expecting something perfect, but if you work around the rough points, you will play this game forever. It is one of the most immersive games ever made, and you will find yourself literally playing until you can't. I don't remember the last time I got off of DayZ and started playing another game, rather than getting off completely.
Some things you should know:
The map is MASSIVE and takes around 5 hours non-stop regular jogging to get from one side to the other, and if crossing diagnally, it could take anywhere from 6-8 hours on regular jog. The spawnzones are on the coast, so if you die up north, you may as well never see the gear you had on your character again.
Hitting on the large map, you'll need a map of your own to navigate as there are too amny towns and villages to keep track of right off the start. Download the iZurvive map off of the Google Play or App Store, and keep your eye out for road signs in-game to figure out where you are.
Another hit on the map, the loot tiers are devided into 3s. The North-West-most parts of the map have high grade loot, where you can find military-grade weapons and clothing. Moving South, East, or South-East from the high tier zone, will be mid-tier loot. This can consist of some decent weapons. And the bottom to right side of the map, by the coast, will cosnist of mainly very weak weapons, low capacity clothing, and food. Move inland as soon as you can to find the good clothes and weapons.
Other players aren't your only threat, as there are animals that would love to make you into a home-cooked meal. Wolves travel in packs, anywhere from 5-8 members, and won't attack until you are the most vulnerable. Bears will most likely come by themselves, but always be prepared for a small group from 2-3 to come for you.
There are many different sicknesses in the game that you can get from just breathing, getting it from other players, drinking bad water, or eating bad food. The 2 best items to keep on you are Multivitamin pills and Tetracycline pills, to cure illnesses, and Iodine Tincture to disinfect rags and cuts.
Do not take off ruined clothing until you find new ones, as you cannot put it back on and all the provided inventory space from that article of clothing will be lost.