Raft
Raft: Research Table Before a Pretty Deck
Raft is a hunger and research loop. A huge empty raft with no smelter still dies to a shark and an empty stomach.
Research is the tech tree
Throw trash into the table with a plan. Random researching delays the smelter. Raft progression is the table.
Hooks and a simple field beat a third decorative floor. You will expand later when you can eat.
The shark is a timer
Build the foundation you can defend. A huge raft you cannot patrol loses foundations. Listen for the hit.
A spear is early game. Fancy weapons wait. Survival first.
Islands are a loot run
Land with empty inventory. Animals and crates print the next research. Sightseeing with a full inventory is a wasted trip.
Water and food plots should run while you explore. A raft that only looks good still starves you on the way to the next story island.
If you want extra reading after this walkthrough, you can also check more game information.