Best way to go through your first playthrough?

I got the game a month ago, and just now have had the time to really sink in and play! I just got past the part of the RDA coming back and attacking Alma and her team, but I feel like there are so many different ways to go now.

Do I focus the story?

Side quests?

Should I spend some time wandering around looking for more seeds and materials?

This feels VERY similar to Far Cry but with a lot more freedom, so just feeling lost on what is the best balance between exploring the world/game and still progressing the story before I get too strong.