Its a great game. If you like Dark Souls, you'll most likely like this too. Since it's open world there's a lot to do even without the DLC ( you get your moneys worth). If you don't like exploring everything on a map, might not be a game for you. A lot of the locations off the main path hold weapons and items that just make your character stronger regardless of build. The game still has a steep difficulty spike about 2/3 of the way through after the "Main Capital" area. Enemies will start hitting a lot harder and be a bit more like damage sponges. However, by that point you should have an idea on a stat spread you like along with a weapon preference. Simply committing to a full build will alleviate any problems you have if you've been picking up most items and side content.
Also..... please level vigor..... If your going all the way to level 130-150 for PVP later, put 60 points in vigor. If your already completed the game and are helping someone else, make sure you have 60 vigor. Tell your friend to pump vigor (even if they are building mage). Unless your a speed running god, or one in training, you need more health. Especially once the difficulty spike occurs. Don't be the host that has their Sun Bro watch them get one-shot by a mob after getting summoned in.
DLC requires a key item to level up your attack and defenses while in that world/zone. Your level from the base game is fairly irrelevant. You need to rush a couple tree fragments to buff yourself up before committing to any legacy bosses in the DLC world. If you are having trouble, often means you need to look for more fragments, or just get good and not get hit. I recommend the fragments as even if you are a God, bosses just take forever to kill since you'll have mediocre damage.
If for some reason your debating about the DLC, in my opinion it is weaker than the base game. I only liked 3 boss fights. The rest were just ok. The only problem with skipping DLC is there is some cool weapons and spells. There's also some new crafting recipes and it's where you get the giant pots to throw. If you like to PVP, I would say its required as the new pots and recipes offer some QOL to some issues. The new weapons and spells are fun to use as well.
Base Game = 9 out of 10
DLC = 7 out of 10
