The player technically has access to most of the island right from the beginning of the game. However, the paths leading further into the island are almost always blocked by numerous wild creatures that can easily overwhelm and kill a beginner character. After the player character acquires better skills and equipment, he can explore the island with much more freedom.
Risen has smaller areas that can't be accessed until later. Creatures do not respawn in the first part of the game, but new enemies will spawn in their place in later chapters. The island is also said to contain easter eggs.[3]