How to treat the flowchart

[MaChao]

I'm on my first read through. I am aware that the choices to switch routes are unlocked by finishing the previous route.

What is the most optimal way to treat the flowchart on a first read through?
Can i ignore it now and go back to explore the branching paths individually once i completed a route or do i need to do that while i'm actively on said route?

[Kenshiro3]

Treat it like a map.

[Chaos_Alfa]

The original PC version and the PS2 version didn't have an in-game flowchart so I would say you can ignore it and only use it when you want to see what you've missed and how to get to it. I also recommend trying to collect the bad endings first. They often offer extra information and a new perspective on what's on, they als makes you appreciate what Shirou was able to dodge/survive by choosing the correct choice

[pokedude900]

When I first played the game, I went back to explore bad ends each time I finished a day, and that worked out well. Though there are a couple rare cases where bad ends don't manifest until a day or two after making the choice.