I'm about fifteen hours into the new open-world RPG that's been getting perfect scores, and while I'm impressed by the scale and the combat, I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of repetitive side activities and map markers that seem to pad the experience. The critical video game reviews praised its depth, but I'm finding that depth feels more like checklist busywork than meaningful exploration or storytelling. For others who are further along, does the narrative payoff or the late-game systems justify the grind, or does the core loop remain largely the same? I'm trying to decide whether to push through or just focus on the main story quests.
I hit a similar wall with my open-world RPG last year. The first stretch felt like busywork, but about halfway in the story started weaving in ways that changed how I saw the world. If you’re chasing a narrative payoff, try this: push through the main arc for 8–12 hours and only dip into side quests that tie into the main plots (faction storylines, lore drops, or major area unlocks). If you still don’t feel it, it’s okay to pause side content and focus on the main quests—you can always circle back later for optional endings or extra depth.
You're not alone—these games often lean into busywork early. If the main quest is clicking, give it a couple more sessions to see if the late chapters flip the script. If not, set a hard cap on side content for a week and reassess after you’ve seen how the story evolves.
From my experience, some open-worlds deliver late-game intensity through your choices, not just the main plot. Look for story-connected side quests that unlock new dialogue or outcomes, since those often precede a bigger payoff. If after about 15 hours you still feel repurposed by repetition, you might be in a pacing snag rather than a bad game. If you want, share the title and I can outline common late-game patterns you’ll encounter.
A simple plan you can try: finish a solid chapter of the main story and then tackle 1–2 side quests that clearly relate to that chapter. Turn off most map markers to reduce noise, and take notes on any major choices to gauge their later impact. If combat or exploration is grinding you down, chase a specific unlock (new ability, gear, or ally) that’s tied to a quest chain to keep progression feeling fresh.
If you’re comfortable sharing the game name and what aspects reviewers praised (world-building, character arcs, branching endings), I can give a quick read on whether the narrative payoff tends to land for that title and what late-game loops look like. What kind of payoff are you hoping for—a tight emotional arc, meaningful world changes, or branching endings?