Personally, this is my absolute biggest issue with FFXIV. I'd even be able to look past some of the other flaws if the world was at least a tiny bit interesting. Nothing to see when you explore, repetitive zones, compact world where everything is close together. It's just no fun. You go through one zone, a boring boat ride that doesn't get attacked, and bam: Limsa Lominsa. What's near Limsa Lominsa? one zone. Tiny cities? Check. Little to no lore? You bet.

If there was ever something to compare to FFXI it's this aspect right here. FFXI had many problems but its greatest strength was providing a rich world with tons of lore that was begging to be discovered. Eorzea just has nothing on Vana'diel.