I spawn in the middle of nowhere and end up sprinting for miles in the dark with no reward. When I do find some buildings there are zombies everywhere and I can't defend myself.

First you need to find a vendor. Buy lots of water, and ammo, and maybe a couple guns. Just be careful not to shoot the vendor, or they might go ape shit on you. Wielding the sword of vathral helps too. Don't forget to forage often and avoid dinosaurs. Good luck.

Don't start play at night.

Avoid human contact unless your willing to get back stabbed or shot.

They usually end like that.

Try finding a gun.

Open fields and city's are death traps.

Try avoiding zombies.

You will always feel paranoid playing the game you just have to deal with it.

@scarace360: What isn't a death trap then? Just the small collections of shacks?

Shoot first, take beans later.

@FengShuiGod said:

First you need to find a vendor. Buy lots of water, and ammo, and maybe a couple guns. Just be careful not to shoot the vendor, or they might go ape shit on you. Wielding the sword of vathral helps too. Don't forget to forage often and avoid dinosaurs. Good luck.

I would play this game.

@TheDeadComedian said:

@scarace360: What isn't a death trap then? Just the small collections of shacks?

Everywhere is a death trap. Just those are more common places where people get shot on site.

Are many Bombers playing Day Z? Would be good to band together if so.

Also concerning survival comedian, if you're new to the game you shouldn't expect to last long. Don't play at night as others have suggested. Head towards the big cities like Elektrozavodsk(Elektro), Chernogorsk(Cherno) etc and get the best gear you can find(fast). Check firehalls, supermarkets and churches for good loot drops(check DAYZ wiki for maps) then get out. The larger cities are great when you've not much to lose(or you're looking for PVP) otherwise head north. The wilderness areas are generally safer and the cities are generally smaller and get less player traffic.