Asisreo
Patron Badass
None. And I run exploration every adventure. But let's say that they took it, my exploration isn't survival.While I agree with you, how many of your players have chosen the Outlander background to basically solve half of the problem with exploration?
I don't really want players to have to track rations and water because it doesn't seem anymore fun than having them track carrying capacity except I threaten them with death if they don't. I'd honestly be happy with an outlander, so we could get to the meat of my exploration.
That is: my encounters, my treasures, my hazards, and my interesting vistas. And don't worry, when I say interesting vista, I don't just mean flavor text. I mean somewhere like a narrow cliffside where the have to shimmy across or a wild magic field. I also branch off multiple paths in almost complete wilderness locations. Some are the wrong way, some are the right way, and some are the even more right way disguised as the wrong way.
Exploration is more than skill challenges. They are gathering information, gaining power, discovering new things, and making meaningful choices. Getting lost isn't a choice. Starving isn't a choice. Checking out the ancient ruins with the collapsed stones by your free will, not the DM's, is exploring and you should be rewarded for it (this is how I control the magic item distribution.) Stumbling into a goblin den because you followed the river which was the quick way instead of the path which was the way the local farmer recommended is exploration. Using a feature like Ranger's natural explorer to gain expertise on survival to find a safe location to ford the river or having to cast a spell or risk time trying to get around the river is exploration.
Not picking berries.
Sorry if that came off weird. I'm a bit passionate when it comes to making my exploration as satisfying, or even more, than combat and social pillars.