Recipes are unlocked based on what materials you have picked up. Pick up every type of plant and stone. Chop every type of tree, except for the big ones in the swamp that are indestructible. Craft ingots and nails. If the recipes you think you should have aren't showing up, check to see if you can upgrade your workbench, forge or cauldron.

Smoke requires a full wall square of space to vent outside. It can be contained inside if your roof is high enough or the box its venting into is big enough. Your fire does need a roof to keep out rain, so plan your chimney accordingly. Or, just put it right outside the wall if you want to.

Most mobs, all the early game ones anyway, can't jump. They can't navigate up steep inclines and they try not to fall off of cliffs. Don't run into the open meadow when something is chasing you. Instead lead it through as many obstacles as you can.

In reference to the previous point, you can alter the terrain with the right tools. Combat engineering is a thing. Mobs can't damage the ground itself.

Raids happen, and advance every time you kill a boss (plus a few other triggers but bosses are the big one.) Be prepared to build defenses for your base, or just lead the attackers around for a couple minutes inside the red circle. They prefer attacking you but they will destroy your buildings if they can't get to you.

The biome order is Meadows, Black Forest, Swamp, Mountains, Plains, Mistlands. Going out of order will be painful. Also every time you go to a new biome, go slow and sneak. You are a new player all over again until you learn the place and upgrade food and gear.

Poison resist must be used before you get poisoned. It's a resist, not an antidote. Also the swamp hates your boat. Try to walk in if possible.

Unless it's coming from your own hives, that buzzing sound is not your friend. Every mob makes a sound. Headphones or stereo speakers are recommended. Many times you will hear something before you see it.