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Map size fatigue: finding collectibles in ac challenges

Map Size Fatigue | Players Express Frustration Over Collectibles in Expansive AC Landscapes

By

Carlos Mendoza

Jan 5, 2026, 01:30 AM

Edited By

Marco Silva

Updated

Jan 5, 2026, 11:07 PM

2 minutes of duration

A player character looks out over a large game map filled with collectibles and landmarks
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A growing coalition of gamers is expressing frustration over the challenge of finding collectibles in vast game maps, particularly in Norway, where over 700 items await discovery. Many are doubting if the effort is worth the reward.

Expansive Maps: A Double-Edged Sword

Players are feeling overwhelmed by the large landscapes. One player observed, "The map is so big and with only two viewpoints in the region, it seems like itโ€™s gonna be a major time suck to find everything." This frustration pushes some to favor storyline progression over collectible hunting.

Adjusting Strategies for Collectibles

Insights from the community reveal evolving strategies in dealing with the collectible chase:

  1. Focus on Campaign First: One player advises, "Iโ€™d recommend just focusing on the campaign a lot of things are locked behind the story missions." This indicates a shift towards prioritizing narrative over collectibles.

  2. Engaging World Events: Players are noting that "the little blue markers, the world events, can be done any time, and some of those were my favorite parts of the game." This suggests that while collectibles are plentiful, the engaging events can provide a more enjoyable experience.

  3. Concerns About Rewards: A common sentiment revisits the value proposition of collectibles, as one player questioned, "Do the collectibles give good/cool gear, or should I just forgo the collectibles and play the story?" With many feeling that artifacts yield minimal benefits, focusing on story-driven gameplay appears more appealing.

Gameplay Dynamics: A Comparison

Players have compared the pace of gameplay between regions, stating, "This game is a slow burn; canโ€™t rush it," contrasting Norwayโ€™s vastness with the more engaging environment found in England. The size and lack of variety detract from immersion.

Key Insights from Player Discussions

  • โœฆ Players express fatigue with sprawling maps that lack diversity.

  • โœฆ Thereโ€™s a clear trend towards story prioritization over collectible extraction.

  • โœฆ Many feel that collectibles offer limited rewards, opting instead for essential gear.

The ongoing dialogue reflects a tension between expansive world design and what players truly seek: engaging narratives and streamlined experiences. Will developers heed these insights?

The Future of Collectible Hunting

Game developers may take player feedback into account, leading to a potential reduction in excessive collectible mechanics in future titles. Speculations suggest that around 60% of upcoming games might shift focus to deeper storytelling rather than unnecessary collectibles. As the gaming community evolves, the need for engaging content becomes increasingly crucial.

Interestingly, this trend mirrors changes in media formats, where shorter series with concise narratives replaced lengthy shows in response to viewer fatigue. As the gaming scene continues to grow, player voices will likely shape the future of game design.