Just a handy tip, Chapter 8 is the last chapter before things go linear. So you can do all but the last part of chapter 8 and explore Lucis before moving on. It also unlocks a hoard of sidequests.
I know I was kinda anxious that I might be going through the MSQ a little too fast but they give you breathing room before you're stuck in the second half. Even then I think there's actually a way to go back to Lucis.
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