Before I do anything at all my VPN gets installed, then whatever firewall gui along with OpenSnitch.
Keepassxc
Librewolf
Signal
Element
OpenRGB
OpenRazer
Game stuff
I have a text file that lists everything I need to do on a clean install - a list of programmes and bits that need to be set in each programme. It’s really easy to forget important stuff - like making sure my refresh rate is set at 165hz and not left at whatever the default is.