I don't own the dlc where does my game end?

[Tenzosan]

I'm unable to get the dlc currently but I'm interested in coming back. Am I able to use the new weapon without dlc? Can I complete most of the game other than the new dungeons and stuff? Mounts? Where does base game end and dlc start and what is locked out for a player like me?

[potato]

mounts and new weaps are dlc only

[Cathy]

The base game gets your character to level 60, skills to level 200, and max gear score to level 650 (I think that was the old max).

The DLC takes you to level 65, skills to 250, and gear to 700. There is also a new top level for faction progression.

Technically, the old game lost a region (First Light) which has been repurposed for the DLC.

The DLC also adds new weapons, mounts, new equipment rarity called Artifacts, and a new "top" tier of harvestable materials above orichalcum, ironwood and wirefiber.

There's new story content. Edengrove has been redesigned (though that's probably for everyone and not just DVC players).

There's also a new high-level expedition.

If you play PvP at level 60, you'll be left behind. If you only play PvE, you probably won't notice much of a difference. Though... I started a second account which is at level 45 now. I was harvesting some Wyrdwood when a level strong 65 swept in at some hyper-speed and harvested four trees while I was still on my first. He'd gotten a patch of the new runewood and decided to take the Wyrdwood as well. Generally speaking though, you won't be much affected playing PvE.

[Cathy]

I should also mention, if you're just returning, that the base game DOES have the added Brimstone Sands region with a pile of new content that will keep you busy for quite a while. Even with the new DLC region just added, you'd want to play Brimstone Sands first. The only real "low level" things in the DLC that you'd be missing are flails and mounts (horses, wolves, etc). Honestly, I got a flail but haven't even used it yet (you need "focus").
The mounts are nice, but you can live without them. I watched someone being chased by a hostile animal today. He hopped on his horse to go fast... and the pursuing animal sped up, lol. I did hear someone saying mounts are very useful in wars. Mine didn't save me in PvP today, I still died.