Thank you very much for this feedback! This playtest I've been getting a lot more feedback about not enough push to keep exploring and just hunkering down instead. I've been building background systems to enable an escalation mechanic that will help push the player to keep exploring, but I was hesitant to add it as I thought it might be too much. But it sounds like it really is needed. And getting the Hero Quest vibes is exactly what I was going for with this, so win for me there!
I've noted all your feedback and will likely use most of it in the next iteration of the game, especially about being more clear on the dice roll results!