As of now, Cahaya is not a complete DLC to me that can stand on it’s own. The gameplay loop that is being marketed with Cahaya is already available in base game: Farming, fishing, crafting/mining, etc. So what does Cahaya have to offer to entice future buyers? The foundation is there, but it needs more:
Boats: Boats should be way more interactive and functional. Boat parties, Zois talking while in the passenger seas, being able to jump off the boat into the water, etc. Since boats, as of now, are only available in Cahaya I think they could be fleshed out way more.
Pools: More interactions for pools: Zois being able to freely sim on their own in the pool, being able to throw other Zois in the pool, pool parties, etc.
Resort: My one main critique is how everything uses a kiosk. Resort should be way more immersive using staff as an alternative to kiosks. There should be daily events: Breakfast/Dinner buffet, where you have the option to eat at a buffet and where other Resort guests will come to eat as well during scheduled times in morning and evening. Pool parties, tours of Cahaya main island, movie nights where Zois ACTUALLY come and watch a movie on the projector, etc.
Deserted Island: As of now, the deserted island only has a random cat that has the same interactions as all other cats on the other islands. This could be an opportunity for something random to be on this island: a crazy Cat man, a half creature/half Zoi that scares other Zois but you can also befriend it, wild animals that exist only on the island, etc.
Snorkeling: Snorkeling in Cahaya should be specific and indepth to where there are caves and secret areas you can access the higher your level and the more you explore. Different things to find that can enhance your gameplay or your Zoi. Also, being able to interact with fish, dolphins (even riding the dolphins in the water), maybe even sharks(?), as your snorkeling skill is raised.
I know careers/schooling weren’t a focus this update, but a good DLC should still provide something in regards to these thing. Good careers for Cahaya DLC: Resort Manager Active career, a functional, indepth Resort manager career would be great for Cahaya. Deepsea Photographer Active career would also be a huge career. For schooling, providing a homeschooling feature would be great and make Cahaya even worth for family gameplay. Parents would need to get a certificate/license to homeschool and be able to teach their children their own way, maybe even passing certain traits/values onto them.
These are just a few things that can take Cahaya to the next level and make it a worthwhile DLC that stands on its own, but also complements and integrates well with the base game. Cahaya is good right now, and if it all were just a base game update it would suffice. But since it is now, and will be in the future, called DLC there needs to be more to it. Please consider these additional features.