Managing resources is the difference between a thriving town and a "game over" screen.
: While you start with some canned food, you must transition to sustainable sources.
: Construct a Manual Power Generator (crank) early on. Later, you can scavenge Solar Panels from "Sunlit Apartments" in city biomes to automate power.
: Build a Desalinator (or Distiller). It requires Firewood to turn salt water into drinkable water. Always keep a healthy reserve—aim for at least 3 days of supply per drifter.
When you start a new game, you begin with three "drifters" and a Townheart. Your immediate priority is gathering basic building blocks.