When should I leave the beach area?

Resist the temptation of leaving the initial beach area too early. It is more beneficial to remain there until you have accomplished the following couple of things to help you get through the next area.

Before you leave the beach area ensure that your backpack's inventory is at least at Level 5 and it is stocked up with plenty of food. You will also need to craft clothing and a weapon to protect yourself with. The type of weapon you should consider crafting is a ranged one such as a bow and arrows. This will enable you to kill your foe from a distance and avoid the risk of getting hurt which is more than likely if you resort to melee weapons like axes and clubs.

Below is a list of early level ranged weapons and the materials needed to craft them.

Bow:

4 pieces of string + 4 pieces of wood

Arrow Heads:

2 pieces of flint + 1 piece of iron

Arrow:

1 piece of fang + 1 piece of wood or 1 arrow head + 1 twig

Boomerang:

4 pieces of wood + 1 piece of flint

Slingshot:

5 pieces of wood + 2 pieces of fiber

Spear:

1 piece of flint + 1 piece of fiber + 2 pieces of wood