I admit I am one of those gamers that can't resist talking to every single NPC, exploring every nook and cranny of a map and I'll try and get a quest from everybody. I've put over 200 hours into games like Skyrim and Morrowind and still never "beat the games" because I get sidetracked with optional missions.

I just started my 1st play thru with SOC and I already have like 2 or 3 quests that say I have "3 days" to complete "x". I don't like the time pressure because I like to explore and take my time doing stuff. Is it realistic to complete these tasks with the time allotted, or should I just take 1 at a time?

Every NPC seems to have an option to ask "do you have a job" for me and I don't want to miss anything by not asking but also don't want like 10 timed missions that are impossible to complete.

I do have the Zone Rec Project (mostly Vanilla Config) and I know there is an option in there to fiddle with timed quest parameters but I am trying to keep the game as Vanilla as possible for my 1st playthrough.

Any suggestions, tips would be greatly appreciated for my OCD mind. ;)

I also like to talk to everyone and I hate timed quests and I failed maybe 80% of all timed quests in all stalker games because of it.

What you could do is when you pick up quests is save before and then check how much time you'll initially have and how much time you'll left based upon the way you complete quests and then reload to pick the timed quests you feel you'll make it in time.

If you don't like being stressed over timed quests I don't see how changing a few parameters to more time needed than not will somehow invalidate the "vanilla experience" but it's up to you. If ZRP offers an easy option for this I would recommend using it to avoid unnecessary reloading like my suggestion.

3 days is generally more than enough to do any mission if it's possible.

Just a hint for things such as "Get X", don't pick it until you get the item. For example, "Find a Jellyfish", pick it only after you already have a Jellyfish and you can then complete the mission right away.

Most side missions are just there for extra money and sometimes for rare or unique equipment. ZRP should show you the rewards by default.

If you really are worried about time limits, you might as well set the time limit to unlimited.