Downloading a game for first time and updates

[dog dogy]

For example, If i downloaded Sonic frontiers, will it be the updated version with all the the recent patches applied or do I have to download the latest patch separately to play the game

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

It will be updated to the most recent version at that time.

[Jerry]

Steam enforces games to be always on the latest version, unless a developer leaves you a choice about it (by providing different versions as beta branches or moving patch downloads to an external platform).
The only other exceptions to this would be DLC, and, of course, if you leave your Steam in the unknown about an upcoming update by going offline.