Hey Beasty,
The latest version of the game has some really cool new content, but it depends on how fast you consume the content too.
I personally like playing every patch but I know people like waiting a few patches and binge playing.
Hey Ghryst,
Thankfully saves with AHITR, even going back to v0.3 (which was late 2019) are still compatible with latest builds/versions of the game.
Outside of our control (data loss, device upgrades etc) you can resume your progress if you stopped playing at any time these last few years, if you still have your save(s).