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PeterScott: Well, I still have it installed and your memory is wrong.

They are in your inventory from level 1. Along with Grimoire and other attribute gear to easily be able to use the Bow straight from 1st level. I just created a new character and did it.

Even if you couldn't use it till level 3 it would still be OP.

This should be Mid-End game gear, not level 3 and certainly not Level 1 where you get it.

And you mention expensive gear that you can buy, but the DLC will likely give you a half dozen pieces of gear, that isn't for your class, that you can sell, and buy more suitable gear ASAP.

You do need more strength to use the DLC warrior armor (38) but that just makes it a candidate for selling for more money for gear you can use sooner.
Then I go with the option to leave the adventures in, but not install or activate the extra items. Except for the gifts maybe, but if you want the challenge then this would spoil the game as well, you can piss your companions off and then give them gifts.

btw. I currently play DA2 and it neglects the search for items entirely if you use the DLC. You get so much stuff delivered to your home that you merely choose what armour looks best.
Every damage or armour is the same for every class and item, only the bonuses differ.
Post edited February 12, 2017 by disi
To be honest, the vanilla version has always included the DLC experience. At least with Shale or the other option (that I don't remember).

Shale and Return to Ostagar are my favorites. The Warden Keep has a nice political event that will still have small references in the third game. And the permanent container in that DLC is nice (even for ignoring those uber items without breaking your party economy as I did it)

The DLC with the gifts are the most useless because it was a simple (and expansive) joke that broke the game mechanics for the companions (but there was a big warning in the original website).
Another question you need to ask yourself, do you use mods in the first run or not?

Mods may change an entire game or just fix bugs left by the developers or smooth out the experience. People are very fond of Advanced Tactics, Extra Dog Slot to have him always with you or the "No Helmet" mod, in Dragon Age 2 you can disable helmets in the menu.