Hello ShadowDragon! I look forward to seeing you around the forums!
As for tips, well, while I 101% agree that you should let the game surprise you, there are a couple of tips that I like to give to newer players. Here they are:
Check your TV – Every channel has extremely useful information. Whether it's Livin' of the Land telling you which fish you can only catch in Summer, The Queen of Sauce gifting you recipes that will be essential later on, the Weather Reporter informing you that you can upgrade your Watering Can today (because it's raining tomorrow), or Welwick forecasting that today's a really bad day to go Mining, they are all useful and the more information the better!
Read Books! – When you dig up Artifact Spots (worms), there is a chance that you'll get a Lost Book. These will appear in the Library/Museum, and they have some hints about more obscure game mechanics. Definitely worth a look.
Get the Training Rod – Fishing is difficult early on, but the Training Rod makes it much easier. It's only 25G from Willy, and it will make your life a whole lot easier.
Don't go Joja...yet – There is an alternate progression route in the game, tied to Joja. Definitely don't go for it on your first playthrough, but maybe give it a try on your second or third!
Have Fun! – There are lots of activities to try, people to meet, places to explore. You might not enjoy certain parts, but that can't stop you from "completing" the game, so find what you enjoy and have FUN!
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