So, for comparison;
I play vanilla + 3 mods, Zombie no respawn POI, no puke cops, and a HUD mod.
I use the next level below max zombies, is what system can handle on horde nights.
I use loot no respawn.
Zombie block damage 25% cause is flesh and bone
Me 100% block damage, cuz i got tools.
As of day 35 still use a bow and stone arrows. I do have a looted Q5 pipe SMG with about 300 rnds of looted ammo.
I dont quest. I do use the trader to get rid of stuff I dont need and buy drinks. (If I had a bucket to go get water, I wouldnt). I dont like it, but I have adapted. It does break my immersion when I go there.
I dont use the easiest hardness, just next level up.
I clean PoIs about 1 a game day.
I have not had to mine yet, I dont have dew collectors. I do have a pot. Havent made any of the crafting stations yet, except camp fire. Dont have bicycle. I am cleaning up a midsize town, although I have 2 cities neaby on a RWG 10k map. I have not built a base, I use one of the huge tanks in the town, and I do the hordes off an electronic power station pole.
I am not swimming in murky water, but I make it. As stated elsewhere before, I have gotten down 1% a couple of times.