I have played fallout 3 before, quite a bit ago, so i understand the basics of this game. However i have been playing for a couple hours and realized i have no idea where i am going. From what i have experienced, it seems that the map has higher leveled areas as you go north. Is this true or have i just been unlucky? Also from my few hours of play i have noticed that the map looks kind of small, does it feel that way?

Edit: o ya i chose to start with hardcoe mode so i will probably turn that off until i get a better feel for the game.

For a first time playthrough, your best bet is to head south out of Goodsprings. This will take you along a path that allows you to meet every major faction in the game, plus meet at least three possible companions on your way to New Vegas. If you head in any other direction, you'll probably get quickly overwhelmed by powerful enemies. It is possible to head north out of Goodsprings at the start, but it takes a bit of experience with the game and involves a lot of sneaking past enemies you have no chance of defeating at a low level.

Once you've reached New Vegas, gained access to the Strip and managed to acquire some halfway decent gear, the whole map will open up for you.

New Vegas is similar to Fallout 3, but it has some major differences as well. If you treat it as a Fallout 3 expansion pack instead of as a completely new game in itself, you're going to get quite frustrated.

What you wanna do is look in your pip boy or follow the flashing white marker on ur compass , it will help dirtect you better.

Oh well thanks for out doing me xD