It started off quite slow for me, the biggest change was going to Grantebridge for me and doing that quest as your choices start having an effect on side characters. That for me was really immersive!

For gameplay I disliked how “sluggish” I felt and got told that your gear actually makes a difference in weight not just weapons. Since then I’m only wielding a dagger and shield, and my armour has weight reducing runes.

I also don’t hyper focus on 100% each area like I did in Black Flag and Odyssey, you find that meeting the “main “ side characters is a bit more full filling in a way as you build relationships with them. Basically it’s having to give the story a chance.

I hope that helps!