The open world is designed around choice. Good exploration keeps options visible rather than forcing every obstacle immediately.
Mark unresolved discoveries
Save locations that look useful or important so leaving them is a strategic choice, not a forgotten opportunity.
Use detours to build strength
Exploration can provide resources, equipment and experience that change how a difficult encounter feels later.
Leave when attempts stop producing learning
Repeated failure is useful only while you are still learning something about the encounter.
Revisit old obstacles as benchmarks
Returning later shows whether your build, equipment and understanding have improved.