How can we save dungeons and varient.

[Rufalus]

Yeah this is actually the optimal dungeon design. Even if you added extra side paths, no one would take them.

What if it wasn't a choice of shortest linear path or longer linear path.

It could be a wider area that doesn't have an always optimal route, due to dynamically changing things like the movement of patroling mobs and trap activation. So you go in and make decisions in the moment based on the moving pieces of a dynamic area. Each run can be a bit different with rng and time-based things.

Removing everything can't be optimal design. It got so streamlined that it's questionable whether it was worth creating them in the first place.

[VerdeLuck]

What if it wasn't a choice of shortest linear path or longer linear path.

It could be a wider area that doesn't have an always optimal route, due to dynamically changing things like the movement of patroling mobs and trap activation. So you go in and make decisions in the moment based on the moving pieces of a dynamic area. Each run can be a bit different with rng and time-based things.

Removing everything can't be optimal design. It got so streamlined that it's questionable whether it was worth creating them in the first place.

Aurum Vale has that and literally every single run everyone hugs the wall because it's the shortest path. If you are a tank and don't hug the wall you will get 3 angry party members.
Face it, constantly chasing the path of least resistance has filed the edges off this game for the last 10 years. Why put effort into side paths as a dev if no one sees them? Why add alternate specs if everyone just runs the meta one? Why give gear variety if everyone just looks up the BiS and uses that?

[Bonoki]

Aurum Vale has that and literally every single run everyone hugs the wall because it's the shortest path. If you are a tank and don't hug the wall you will get 3 angry party members.
Face it, constantly chasing the path of least resistance has filed the edges off this game for the last 10 years. Why put effort into side paths as a dev if no one sees them? Why add alternate specs if everyone just runs the meta one? Why give gear variety if everyone just looks up the BiS and uses that?

I prefer the illusion of choice over no choice at all. In Aurum Vale, you could fight more mobs to get exp, branch off to get a chest, (which is their fault for not putting the minion in that chest). Also it's just more fun to think you are cheesing the system by dodging patrols than be forced into them. It also makes dungeons feel bigger than they really are like Amdapor Keep's courtyard.

[TaleraRistain]

What if it wasn't a choice of shortest linear path or longer linear path.

It could be a wider area that doesn't have an always optimal route, due to dynamically changing things like the movement of patroling mobs and trap activation. So you go in and make decisions in the moment based on the moving pieces of a dynamic area. Each run can be a bit different with rng and time-based things.

Removing everything can't be optimal design. It got so streamlined that it's questionable whether it was worth creating them in the first place.

This is a great idea for solo content and could definitely be a way to flesh out Variant. But that's never going to fly with other people. This community always finds the "one true way" to do things and then as Verde mentioned will flame or kick anyone who doesn't comply. The only way to have complete freedom is if you the player are the only decision maker.