Just finished the first mission where you need to stop the convoy (2 BMP-2 APCs and a BTR AFV along with 4 Ural trucks), with very little equipment. Took about 20 tries but once I realized the tan truck you start with has some extra rockets and satchel charges along with some mines it got easier. I am hooked and looking at getting more games in the franchise
Can you play this game and enjoy it without the DLCs, yes. Do the DLCs make the game better, no question. I highly recommend this game I have the Steam version with every DLC and regret nothing, the bonus being with Steam is you get the user made content as well and some of that, especially the Star wars theme stuff is amazing.