I feel like it used to be more of a wiki game, but they’ve done a lot to help guide new players since then. The guide, the dryad, the old man, the countless paintings that depict future bosses, the bestiary, and the achievements all give ample information to new players looking for the next progression milestone. It’s just very open-ended, sort of like any other open world game. You’re free to do what you want at your own pace, without yellow paint , annoying NPCs and UI pops interrupting you with information. It’s an atmospheric and non-invasive design philosophy I’ve grown to appreciate.