Yes, at first it's quite difficult. I died a lot.
I kept forgetting to deploy my shield, for one thing (it's off by default because it uses power). I had to learn how the NPCs behave, and what my weapons could do, settlement behavior and layout, and yeah...lots of learning.
Figuring out how stealth works is very rewarding (I've posted links previously to some good info on this). The Odyssey missions are in some cases very complex and immersive. Lots to learn there, too.
That is what's kept me busy and happy in Odyssey. I love learning new skills, especially when learning them leads to success.
Anyway, expect to die a lot. To make it as cheap and easy as possible, start out doing missions by using the Apex taxi to get there. That way, when you die, your ship is not stranded on some planet where you left it. Once you die less often, taking your ship becomes important (for recharge, SRV, missiles, to offload mats, etc.) but at first just use the taxi.
Also, start with the non-combat missions. Simple transport missions or salvage are usually pretty easy. You'll still get jumped on some salvage missions, though.
Bear in mind that I'm an old guy with pretty bad reflexes (I'm 70 in case you forgot), but it's not about speed so much as knowledge and tactics.
So I'm doing pretty well now. I still die when I screw up badly and get 10 guards after me, but it's rare now. I've even taken out 20 man bases without raising any alarms. It's pretty exhilarating.
