I have previously played the game without the *many* DLCs, and was wondering... why do we start with so many expensive items, right away? I read some are needed as part of some great artifact etc... but is any of them some sort of plot / companion item? Meaning, is it safe to sell them?

I read that a certain mage chest in Ostagar gets "upgraded" when playing the Return to Ostagar DLC... At what point would you recommend playing this one? And what exactly is contained here?

Also, I came across this thread about deleting unused languages (I am only gonna use us-en), could anyone please confirm this is valid?
https://www.gog.com/forum/dragon_age_origins_ultimate_edition/how_to_save_space_from_disk_with_dragon_age_origins

Many thanks!

Yes, it is.

However, if you're uncertain you could just move all the languages you don't want out of the game folder, check the game works OK, then delete.

thanks Pajama!

You get so many expensive DLCs right away because they are very poorly integrated into the game. They are borderline game breaking in the early game.

I recommend playing without them at least for the first play, but you have already done that.

As far as chest upgrading? I think what they mean, is that items levels are set by the level you acquire them. Play the DLCs additions near the end, to maximize their power.

Many thanks. Some of these items are decent source of $, and i tend to invest max on acquiring tomes and backpacks... i keep items that seem to be top level for characters though...

If you want to be stupidly OP, use the dlc items. If you want to play a game that isn't broken from the outset via the inclusion of game breaking freebies that were gross purchase incentives once upon a time, then ignore them.

In regards to when to do the DLC missions, the main thing to keep in mind is that the material quality of loot will scale to level. And you'll be getting master tier epic weapons and full armor sets in these quests that will see you through the game. The higher your level when you get them, the higher their stats will be. You will severely undermine the stat value of these items if you play as soon as the quests become available.

Otherwise, enemies scale to level so combat won't be any easier or harder.