docs: add beginner guidance and prerequisites to Get Started page

- Add 'New to Base? Start here' intro section
- Add prerequisites list (Node.js, wallet, testnet ETH)
- Add recommended 4-step workflow for new developers
- Closes #966

docs: minor formatting fix

Author: erhnysr

docs/get-started/base.mdx

@@ -4,6 +4,30 @@ description: "The #1 Ethereum Layer 2, incubated by Coinbase"
 mode: "wide"
 ---
 
+## New to Base? Start here
+
+Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 network built for speed, low fees, and developer simplicity. Whether you're building payments, AI agents, or onchain apps, this page helps you find the right starting point.
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+Before you start building, make sure you have:
+
+- A basic understanding of how Ethereum and smart contracts work
+- [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/) (v18 or later) installed
+- A wallet such as [Coinbase Wallet](https://www.coinbase.com/wallet) or [MetaMask](https://metamask.io/)
+- Some testnet ETH on Base Sepolia — get some free from the [Optimism Superchain Faucet](https://app.optimism.io/faucet)
+
+### Recommended workflow
+
+If you're new to Base, follow this path:
+
+1. **Understand the network** — Read [Why Base](/base-chain/quickstart/why-base) to learn what makes Base different
+2. **Deploy your first contract** — Follow the [Deploy Smart Contracts](/get-started/deploy-smart-contracts) guide
+3. **Connect a wallet** — Integrate [Base Account](/base-account/quickstart/web) for authentication and payments
+4. **Go live** — Use the [Build an App](/get-started/build-app) guide to ship your project
+
+---
+
 <div className="use-cases">
   <div className="use-cases-links">
     ### Payments
@@ -59,3 +83,4 @@ mode: "wide"
     </div>
   </div>
 </div>
+