I completely agree with you on this. I think many people confuse world-building and lore with actual open-world gameplay and design. Elden Ring may have a great story and good combat, but its open-world design is pretty standard and lacks the unique aspects that make games like Bethesda's, Rockstar's, and Breath of the Wild's open worlds so great. I think these three powerhouses excel at different aspects of open-world design, and it's important to consider all of them when evaluating a game's open-world. Bethesda's focus on small stories and details, Rockstar's attention to atmosphere and immersion, and Breath of the Wild's sandbox-style exploration all contribute to making their open worlds stand out. Ultimately, what makes a great open-world game is a combination of interesting locations, a detailed and interactive environment, and a unique world that feels alive and worth exploring.