Oof, is it even fair to say this in the context of a genuine new player?
No offense taken.
This is a big game and there are layers.
A big part of the game is choices and consequences.
Which powers to select, how to 'slot' them with enhancements, and when to use them.
Which enemies to dive into and which to be wary of.
Prioritizing accuracy, damage or endurance.
There are 60+ zones/maps, https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Zone_Overview
There are dozens of of enemy groups across the zones with various strengths and weaknesses. (this can drive different tactics to stay alive and defeat them)
There are different ranks of enemies and different levels (purple = tough, run from purple early on)
There are thousands of hours of content someone can play or completely skip.
There are short missions and sweeping story arcs made up of lots of missions and tasks.
There are over 2,000 combinations of archetype and powers sets.
Early game is a bit repetitive with only a couple powers, around level 15 things start to get interesting and the world opens up a bit.
The website can help figure some of the stuff out: https://homecoming.wiki/wiki/Main_Page
To start I would suggest playing hero side first and doing the Galaxy City tutorial. (life will just be easier at first, I myself play villains)
Selections when creating a character and doing the Galaxy tutorial which can send you to hero side.
Finishing the tutorial as a hero should take a player to Atlas Park, there look for contact Matthew Habashy do his missions. Then look to join a DFB team (death from below trial) and do a couple runs. You'll level up get new powers and knock some heads in. Tell folks you are new and they will likely be patient.
There is a 'looking for group' channel where you can type in and announce "new player, level 2, looking for team' or 'new player just starting looking to learn the ropes' and folks will likely invite you to join their team and show you some stuff.
All kinds of player types can find niches that are almost addictive. Crafting, character building, marketing, number crunchers, socializers, smashing upclose, shooting from distance, control to defeat, support, base building, completionists, explorers, bug hunters, solo, team, forum trolls, pvpers, giant teams (called leagues), super group builders, event organizers, and on and on.
-Good luck!