Prepare so you do not die.
upgrade your stuff, eat good foods, pay attention to your surroundings, carry a bow. Don't be afraid to run around to split up a group of enemy or escape them or kite and shoot. Dying is harsh.

if you want to make a fancy home and protect it, you will probably want to use terrain manipulation. Normal defenses won't stop later enemy from smashing everything.

Keep one stack of everything you find. Rocks and wood are used at alarming rates later on...