Open world

Soft-guiding

Without guidance, players can easily fall into repeating the same actions for long periods, and repetition can make the experience feel dull.

• Limit visible interest points

• Visual occlusion — mountains

• Vertical layering design

• Restrict entry/exit points

• Reveals several small POIs after reaching a strong POI

• Predict player movement

E.g. Breath of the Wild: approach village → activate shrine→ ...

Checklist Open World

If the core gameplay is strong enough, a checklist-driven open world becomes an efficient format that allows players to explore the gameplay in their own pacing.

E.g. Racing games, Rise of the Rōnin — the checklist structure works when combat itself is the reward