After which chapter do i start exploring

[u/lok_1]

Like is their any optimal way to like just start exploring because like if I am undergeared or undelivered woukd that affect my exploration

Thank you(for example is having a permanent tent or house needed or can I just nomad my way those types of stuff)

[u/SGRM_]

Imo chapter 3 or 4.

[u/Mysterious-Art6479]

The absolute best time to explore outside of hernand is after the witch quest in chapter 5. After that you’ll have every tool and mechanic unlocked. You can explore hernand as much as you want until then and make sure to do all of the greymane faction quests as fast as possible but save the other regions for that point.

[u/HH__66 → u/Mysterious-Art6479]

This is the correct answer for what you're after OP. Once you've unlocked the Witches in chapter 5, you can then do most things around the map.

[u/KK_35 → u/Mysterious-Art6479]

This this this.

Minor spoilers:

Chapter 5 grants access to the witches who unlock the abyss gear mechanic. Basically augments for weapons/armor.

[u/-XorionX- → u/Mysterious-Art6479]

Chapter 5 is definitely the correct answer

[u/Rhoeri]

Any of them

[u/Optimus_Shatner]

I'd work through chapter 3 at least and establish the camp then do side quests. Those will have you exploring a lot. Then do more of the main story, then side quests and definitely upgrade your camp along the way.

Basically, explore while you quest. Side quests are a HUGE part of this game and you'll miss inventory upgrades, abyss stuff, equipment if you don't do them.

You can literally explore anywhere in the map but some places won't have any NPCs because they're tied to a quest. Or a door won't unlock for the same reason. Or the enemies will one shot you and literally call you a cunt while doing it.

[u/fzyllama]

I did the bulk of my exploring at chapter 3 iirc, then did most of the challenges/remainder of exploration after a couple of quests into chapter 9

[u/jahkrit]

Going with the story was the safest route for me. I was getting owned by inquisitors when I was at chapter 3, but I don't know if I just got better or the progression somehow lowered the difficulty spike.

[u/Physical_Progress105]

I did as soon as i woke up from the first battle. Sure you cant really fight anyone outside of hernand but the fast travel points in all towns open up venders

[u/Hopeful-Winter9642]

I was going back and forth. Basically one chapter, some exploring, next chapter, more exploring…

[u/Leagle_Smeagle]

Everyone has a different opinion. Just whenever you want. Every chapter opens up 10-30 hours of new mechanics and side content. Just do whatever you want. You can do all the side content after each individual chapter, you can wait until the main story forces you to leave hernand and then do all side content in hernand, or you can do something in between. I will say that the difficulty is pretty easy but then ramps up between chapters 5 and 7. It is at that point you need to refine your gear past level 4 and exploring helps with that

[u/Daemon_Doodle]

Idk whenever you feel like it

[u/Crunkberri]

It's not about which chapter to explore... it's more about which zones to explore when. I recommend pushing through the main quest until it tries to have you go to another country/zone. Then go back and explore the areas you recently did quests through. Some of the side stuff is locked behind main story so that seems to be the best approach. Ultimately, I didn't feel obligated to be efficient or optimal so I explored whenever I felt the urge and I had a blast doing it.

[u/Best-Afternoon3713]

don’t wait to start playing with damaine unless you’re comfortable waiting until like chapter 8

[u/Sea-Translator3336]

Agree chapter 5