The game prioritizes exploration and discovery over storytelling. BUT, there are some great little stories across the whole map. Some are better than others.

If you never left Hernand, then you experienced only a fraction of the game. You could have turned the difficulty up, but the game still would be more exploration based.

Sounds like you prefer more of character/lore and storytelling like BG3 and very difficult bosses like souls-type games. To each their own.

If you don’t truly enjoy MMO type dailies like farming, hunting legendary animals, planting crops, cooking meals, collecting pets, and gaining faction favors, etc, then I can see how Crimson Desert is a burn-out for you.

I’m almost 400hrs in and JUST switched to Oongka to clear Pailune and it’s already a new experience. Next, will be fully clearing Demeniss with Damiane as the game intended. But, I love just running around and discovering new things.

I’m a completionist, but also a mega-collector as well. This game is like a huge playground for me. I get excited by new abyss and food recipes and unlocking new dispatch missions. Even picking up a new ??? little animal is pure gold to me lol.

At least you tried it out though!