Curate, connect, and discover
The nice thing is if you aren't interested in challenge, you don't have to turn on the higher difficulty (death mode, eternity mode, etc.) And can still do the crazy crafting.
Plus, it's always more fun with other ppl! If you're struggling to get into the modded side, you can ask around and see if anyone is up to start a new playthrough. I know I'm always up for more playthroughs, so I'm sure others are too.
I think my favorite items in all of terraria are the items that combine like 10 things into one MEGA thing.
There's only a few off the top of my head, there's the obvious Zenith which obviously that thing is cool- it's a "post post post" game reward.
Terraspark boots, the triple balloon horshoe thing, Ankh Shield- even the cell phone and the associated parts (and its further upgrade)!
I LOVE having a reason to go around collecting tons of stuff to make a MEGA thing. Big fan when mods add yet more of that :)
(The spooky mod has multiple of these! Based on themed sets! Excitedly collecting!)