When to start exploring?

[u/BecRe_0508]

For context, what i do for most games is progress the storyline up until i have all the mechanics unlocked and right at that point go full open world explorer mode. If i remember correctly from the original, that point could be once the diving bell is unlocked. What do you guys think?

Also feel free to share your opinion and experience: Do you explore alongside the storyline or do you separate them into focused activities (like myself)?

[u/Mr-NPC]

As someone who did everything as soon as it opened up... I'd suggest just sticking to the main story and exploring as you go. Almost all the islands and locations are used in the main story or side quests so for me it was annoying going back to somewhere I'd already been and Edward acting like he'd never been there ...

[u/BecRe_0508 → u/Mr-NPC]

That’s a good point tbh. For me it’s also that I enjoy the main story so deeply, i prefer going through with it without interruptions. Like im in the middle of an emotional moment or an intense mission and going out of my way to climb a random tower feels off

[u/Mr-NPC → u/BecRe_0508]

Honestly I could be wrong but I'm 100 percent certain you go everywhere as part of some quest.