Amazing game all around but HORRIBLE map system

[Tsuga]

It really bothers me that people can't make criticisms of systems in this game without somebody swooping in to defend a flawed design choice, or berate those who have issues with it simply because they did not have, or chose to overlook the same experience.

It's not unreasonable to ask for a more concise map system.

I've been playing since the first day of 1.0, and I also find the map system to be a bit wonky in this game. I did not have much trouble with it personally, but after reading the OP I can see where they are coming from. It is pretty easy to see how a new player who is not familiar with where "Thanalan" is or whether or not "Limsa Lominsa" is in walking distance from Gridania would be confused by the current world map, and the fact that maps are obscured until locations are discovered compounds that confusion.

The maps should function like they do in nearly every other MMO - where regions are shown much like a real life world map, as part of a continent/island with zone boundaries indicated by borders. The way it is now there is no perspective for how these regions connect, only names on a map with lines connecting them, and the camera is so zoomed in on the map that you have to scroll to find connecting regions, which makes being thrown into the world map through the quest log even more disorienting.

The maps aren't unreadable, but they aren't as good as they could be.

[Eltaire]

Way to lose all credibility with a single post!

Last I checked, I wasn't seeking credibility, or your validation. Shame for you.

[Avekyn]

The maps aren't unreadable, but they aren't as good as they could be.

Took me a few days to get used to the maps, but now I am definitely accustomed to the interface. I definitely agree they could be better.

[Yuhirou]

After 200+ hours, while earlier levels it's simply reading dialogs and proceeding along. Later levels, you have explored a lot, and you get to a point where you have to level to continue on with the main story line, have to do fates, instances, side quests, etc. This can lead you across the world, and when you receive a level up you can forget where they were. Those of us that aren't obsessed, kids, chasing fate parties to go way past the story level need this help. Some have real world obligations that can lead us away from game for hours. It'd be nice to see main quests appear on the global map or a quest finder for specific regions, so that we can go back to where we left off.

[Yuhirou]

Sure it doesn't take much to remember that the NPC for xyz quest at xyz level at xyz town. What harm is it to allow you to find it easily? This is why people have GPS in their cars. Some people have horrible memories. Sometimes even looking at the last story quest you did gives no hint to where the next quest is. I don't want it spoonfed to me, no. But I do expect not to travel the entire world looking for 1 npc, and not only have the map update to where the quest npc is when I'm in the town they're in. I like to explore, but I explore when I have free time, not doing story quests, between levels. I do enjoy the game and the story.

Square, in my opinion wants the game to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It's not about our singular opinions, it's about what reaches a broader audience, what makes the most sense, and of course makes it great for everyone. If you could leave a mark on the map so you know where it is yourself, it'd be a lot better than nothing at all.