Open World
DokeV is an open-world game. Pearl Abyss has specifically emphasised the freedom the player has in how they explore, and the world is seamless rather than broken up by loading screens or discrete regions.
Korea as Inspiration
The world resembles modern-day South Korea. Pearl Abyss has said the entire DokeV world is 'infused with Korean culture', from the snappy K-pop soundtrack to the environments themselves. Cities, neighbourhoods, and street-level details draw on real Korean urban life.
Traversal Variety
Movement is a gameplay feature rather than a chore. Pearl Abyss has shown players exploring by tiny car, riding on the back of a llama, and moving at ground speed, with the deliberate design goal of letting players choose how they move around rather than funnelling them through a single mount.