I don't understand the update/ availability thing, I never updated the game for ages, but when I went back to it, I thought the update downloaded automatically or was mandatory, so I'm not really certain which 'version' I was playing during Chapter 13. I've noticed now in Ch14 I can join multiple hunts (not quests) which wasn't possible upon XV's release.
So if I get the season pass I get a version of similar story elements? Because it's actually cheaper on the PSN to buy the 3 bro chapters separately.
I actually did try to fight Adamantoise a year or more ago at around L40, it was a timed quest and I never would have done it in under 20 minutes at that level. Maybe it was the last update or ch14, but it's no longer timed. When I finally level up after finishing the game I'm going to fight it without the ring.
Ah, well no idea they tweaked the ring, I'm guessing it was the update
The update downloads automatically as long as the PS4 is connected to the internet. Based on what you wrote, you have the most recent update installed. Better get on playing the AC festival. There's new dialogue there.
The season pass just gives extra costumes (mariachi noctis! LOL), weapon/accessories. If you are just after the 3 bros, yes it is cheaper to buy them separately, but if you want the comrades dlc, the season pass is cheaper. I loved the game so the season pass was a no brainer.
I prefer that you play those episodes after you finish the main story since some of them contain heavy spoilers.
The weapons you receive from the dlcs are very powerful in the main game, but it's not worth playing the Episodes early just to receive the weapons as there's other weapons of comparable power. But you can just watch them in youtube if you are cheap. lol
The first encounter with adamantoise just requires you to escape the battle area, hence the timer. The adamantoise in the hunts allow you to fight it til it dies. If I am not mistaken, more hunts open up in chapter 15.