[2020] How do you start out and gain levels ?

Since you're coming from A16, and still used to zombies dropping loot, I want to point out one thing just in case you missed it... you have to spend skill points manually. No matter how much you level up, you won't improve any skills until you spend the skill points. Sorry if this is stating the obvious, but it was a huge change from A16 that might catch a returning player off guard.