Actually....not really. I find it quite useful to still portal between my bases and then run sections in between them to gather again once certain resources respawn.

But I agree exploring could still do with some more spice. Dungeons could be more varied. Possibly be the only places to hold rare named spawns? Or min-bosses? Perhaps add traps randomly in them?

Still think it would be nice to have an NPC faction or two that can pop up and start expanding. Could make them friends (Allies in combat/trade) or foes based on your actions.