Screw ten acts.

"

ScrotieMcB wrote:

If so I'm rooting for the tumor.

If I was making an ARPG, first "combat tutorial" area would spawn you near two locked doors. Fighting to the end of the area (perhaps multiple zones), you find a boss to complete the tutorial, which always drops a key the first time, and a "Tier 1 map" every time - plus a chance to get them off normal monster drops before that. Near boss is a locked door, unlock with key to be back where you started. Unlock other door with same key, "town" with map device. Story mode - or more accurately, combat tutorial mode - complete. Then some explanation on maps. Straight Atlas-style nonlinear gameplay from there.

TL;DR: I'd literally start maps after beating Normal Hillock. Although I might also buff Normal Twilight Strand.