In my opinion, the maps should fit the game.
My game has big maps, yes, but that's because the scope is huge. I haven't added more than a few maps in the last few months because I've been mostly focused on filling in the ones that I do have with details and content! It's super-easy to get lost, but basically everywhere you go is more content!
I try to aid traversal, meanwhile, by giving players a detailed, in-game map listing all the areas and their uses, and placing maps on the walls at key points (mostly stairway centers) that show your current position. The map is also laid out partially logically, with the first floor having resources such as kitchens and the infirmity, while the second floor has most of the intellectual classrooms and the library, third floor has a major focus on physical activities with gym and martial arts rooms, etc etc)
I also increased default movements speed, disabled dashing (so you don't have to hold a key or enable the option to speed up) and added fast travel options to places that you must go to frequently like classes to reduce tedium in repeat-trips, as well as a fast-travel system that lets you cross vast distances via a central hub room (that unlocks new areas to travel to over time!) (And is also in the process of being built into a secret-base style area with the option to decorate it and add useful furniture!)
There's also teleportation spells you can learn later, but for now they're resource limited (although the resource can be both crafted and bought easily). And secret passageways that, once unlocked, can let you jump basically cross-map in seconds if you get them down.
I make big maps, but I try to reward players for learning the layout and secrets. And without the space I gave myself, expanding systems and adding content would be a pain and would reduce the scale of the world. It's supposed to be a huge, grand castle school! Not some tiny little fort in the hills!
And that's not to say that I don't understand how having such an open world could be confusing! I have more plans to reduce the problems that this open-world style of design can cause, they just need some time to be put into action.
