Open World elements in FF14

[sharknado]

Exploration =/= going all over the map. Please get better at reading comprehension. The only thing that actually resembles exploration is the sightseeing log because some of them are in hidden nooks and crannies.

This game is all about making your own fun. If people really wanted "exploration" it would come up more often, including question/answers time during live letters and the likely some content would be created. That's how Island Sanctuaries started. As there is only sightseeing log it seems there isn't much interest in this... and it's a one-off content. Repeatable tasks as those listed in previous posts work much better at having people in the zones.

[ZedxKayn]

It's very sad how bad expac zone design is. There shouldn't be a carrot on a stick like currents or the sightseeing log to encourage exploration, exploration should be its own reward. Those to me are just one of the many items on the FFXIV shallow content checklist I complete every expac, not something I do because I enjoy exploring the zones.

More condensed zones, sidequests that aren't obviously marked on the minimap and with a bit more thoughts put into them than "kill x amount of _ because ???" would go a long way.

[SeverianLyonesse]

This game is all about making your own fun. If people really wanted "exploration" it would come up more often, including question/answers time during live letters and the likely some content would be created. That's how Island Sanctuaries started. As there is only sightseeing log it seems there isn't much interest in this... and it's a one-off content. Repeatable tasks as those listed in previous posts work much better at having people in the zones.

Then I will plan on complaining about it more. I think the environmental design has been one of XIV's weakest aspects since Heavensward. EW's zones were literally five large circular bowls...and Thavnair. And part of that is ruined by flight which allows the player to quickly escape the denser ground level, but the earlier zones have a combination of denser level design and a lower flight ceiling that encourages a more immersive feel to the environment. And even comparing the earlier zones to stuff in say GW2 just isn't as richly designed.

I can say the same thing about dungeons and raids as well. Very sparse, linear experiences running through very beautiful backdrops. Everything is designed to look stunning in panorama, but generally lacking a degree of fineness that makes your immediate surroundings feel distinct/discrete/intimate.

[EgilTheStressedMage]

This Zenos yae Galvus rper is really committed.

[Jin-]

Then I will plan on complaining about it more. I think the environmental design has been one of XIV's weakest aspects since Heavensward. EW's zones were literally five large circular bowls...and Thavnair. And part of that is ruined by flight which allows the player to quickly escape the denser ground level, but the earlier zones have a combination of denser level design and a lower flight ceiling that encourages a more immersive feel to the environment. And even comparing the earlier zones to stuff in say GW2 just isn't as richly designed.

I can say the same thing about dungeons and raids as well. Very sparse, linear experiences running through very beautiful backdrops. Everything is designed to look stunning in panorama, but generally lacking a degree of fineness that makes your immediate surroundings feel distinct/discrete/intimate.

Would be great if Square took note from GW2 how open world content can be rich in content and exploration. Also they just released new expansion pack so more to explore.