I'm confused as to why everyone thinks it's so open world. It's a hub game. It's just a big hub. You still explore the whole map and then there are map exits that will take you to the next map. That is clear when you try to take the mountain pass.
So again, it's not the map. It's the story elements that are janky. Lots of people keep viewing like an open world map, but if it was then you'd be able to get to Baldur's without pulling up a transition world map, or you'd be able to, at the end of EA, travel to Moonrise via raft without a cutscene.
Sorry, I was not clear what I meant. Walking from Druids Grove to Goblin Camp is done as in an open world game. But the short distances, simple paths, and lack of time passing feel totally unrealistic and together does not jive with the story at all. I consider these two areas two distinct hubs (as the only thing connecting them is our movement…not the game world…or Minthara is just an idiot) and the way in which we travel between them (walking a few minutes) messes with the immersion for me. Its not a dealbreaker…i can suspend my disbelief for the sake of playing the game. But i am not a huge fan of it.
