After a relatively short tutorial area at the beginning of the game, the whole map becomes available. (squarexo.co.uk)
After the initial tutorial area (which takes about an hour to complete and gives the player some decent starting gear), players are welcome to wander off in any direction they desire. (gamingnexus.com)
It's a nice tutorial area and it's got plenty of stuff to do. (gamingreinvented.com)