Hey! I just discovered this game today and it looks really neat! The only thing, though, is that I'm not sure how to approach learning the game.
Should I just join any old server and learn via trial-and-error as a Staff Assistant? The amount of information to absorb on the wiki is mind-boggling to me.
Any old - not really. Preferences aside, all servers have their own particular gameplay and in some cases there is very little overlap - for example, doing Chemistry on Goonstation and Urist is *entirely* different, so is the medical system between all the main codebases now. Pick a server you want to play on and stick to its codebase, otherwise you'll just end up confused.
Assistants are not the best learning role - they have their own particular... subculture? Basically, Assistants are used as screw-around jobs, since they have no real duties - the traditional recommended starting role is Cargo Technician - low risk, low responsibility and rather intensive on using the various basic things with movement and inventory.
NO no, you want to join Urist and start out as an Engineer. It's the only way to go.
seriously though, bartender, cook, Janitor, cargo tech, even assistant for a round or two are good enough. Ask in ooc for help, and let people know you are just starting, and on Urist at least there's a good chance someone will guide you through some basics.
as for the wiki. keep the page related to your job open during gameplay, and look up other info aas you go. good luck