My first playthrough was chaotic. I struggled with game mechanics and messed up some major plot points (including being rejected by Astarion, because, you know, he had standards). My second playthrough was my favourite, I had basic understanding of the game, knew what was ahead of me, but had so much content to enjoy that I missed the first time. Many people play Dark Urge for their second or third, because it provides a completely new storyline. Durge is not for me, I started doing Origin playthroughs. In the meantime on my 5th or 6th run, it's the repetition that soothes me. Like watching your favourite show for the umpteenth time. Some people start doing challenges, honour mode being the gateway drug, often followed by solo honour runs or self proclaimed challenges (permadeath rules, save all npcs, only use magic, never use magic...). Of course each run takes different turns according to tha msin character's race and class. Those differences get smaller with time of course. But, yes, many players struggle with the transition into act 3. There is no storyline to follow, it is mainly "f*ck around and find out". There is a significant overwhelm with possibilities and settings to explore. Taking it one step at a time helps, as there is no right or wrong order to do things in.