Finally bought this on the steam sale, playing on steamdeck. Im all about open world games where you can do whatever you want. I hate being locked into "missions", escort quests, etc. I like a game having these as an option to do at my leisure however. Im several hours in and the environment looks amazing, would love to go explore it....... Am I still in an extended tutorial and the game cuts me loose to do what I please at some point or is the game just a series of missions forever? Also is there some sort of open world mode outside of story mode. Thank you, i love each and every one of you.
There's a portion of the map where you and the gang are wanted dead or alive because of the ferry heist. Entering it for most of the game will get you a maximum wanted level, headhunters will show up, and eventually the game kills you. That restriction is lifted in the final act.
The world opens up once you get out of the snow and settle down in the Horseshoe Overlook camp. You'll still have linear story missions to do, but you can start those whenever you feel like, and explore as much as you want.
After you beat the story you can go to the area from the first game as a fun little bonus. The main area of the game opens up in chapter 2 after about 4 missions