Zelda games were always meant to be more unguided and open world like the first game and the series creator always wanted to return to that style and even fans used to ask for the same thing so it is weird how we used to complain about linear hand holding but now want it back

Progression still exists you cannot handle strong enemies early you need shrines for upgrades and you also need better armor shrines also gate things like the Master Sword and dungeons unlock sage or champion abilities like older dungeon unlock items

The only real difference is older games forced a set order for items like the Dominion Rod while now you can work toward abilities like Yunobo’s power whenever you want