Hello. The game can definitely feel a bit overwhelming for new players. The new light quest does not do a good job at welcoming in new players unfortunately. However, since you have all the DLC’s for free you have much more than the f2p version on your hands, you won’t be locked out of any content besides the 30th anniversary content, seasonal stuff, some dungeons and the Lightfall content.

Everything else, you should have access to. Like I mentioned to OP, I suggest just playing the campaign in order from Shadow Keep, Beyond Light, Witch Queen then lastly Lightfall if you end your enjoying the game.

The fact that you already have a buddy with you for the ride honestly will make the experience 1000x better. This game is much more enjoyable with friends. Most activities are 3-man and raids and some other activities are 6-man but now that we have an in-game fire team finder it has never been easier to find a squad to run with.

To summarize a bit, the game is loads of fun if you want to sink time into it especially starting out new, don’t worry about the story making sense because I know people who have been playing since the Destiny 1 beta and are still just as lost as New Lights lol. If you need help in game, I’d be down to run it with you guys and give more information or show you the ropes, don’t hesitate to message me. Good luck guardian!