I’m talking about “pure” vanilla (no optimization mods or tweaks like Sodium or Vanilla+ mods) rather the base game itself unaltered (default resource packs), is the game boring without mods or does the base game lack any expansive content since the objective remains the same (getting to the end killing the ender dragon).
Modded minecraft meanwhile, adds content not found in the main game or QoL changes to both the HUD or interface as well as including animations modders programmed (better combat, epic fight) or mods that overhaul world generation (biomes o’plenty, better nether, better end) and adding dimensions (the aether, eternal starlight).
Weapons from the base game are kind of boring in my opinion (the only thing they added are spears and maces), bows remained unchanged but there are mods that completely add new weapon types not conventional to minecraft (TaCZ, Point Blank, SBW, etc). as those mods dwell more on firearms and explosives.
Vanilla minecraft is the default, but mods enhance the experience. The drawback for modded minecraft is that it’s RAM intensive (like suggest having 12-16GB for a larger modpack with the right java arguments on the parameters for dealing with garbage collection). However, for most lighter modpacks 8GB should be enough.
Is modded Minecraft better than vanilla? No. Is it different? Yes. Does it have advantages? Yes.
Minecraft is absolutely not boring without mods. It’s a sandbox game and sometimes adding things to your sandbox can be fun. But you absolutely don’t need to add them.
I’ve played lots of modded Minecraft, but I’ve played a lot more of vanilla Minecraft. Sometimes having less makes you more creative. You could install a mod that gives you a “couch” block, or you could use stairs and position them just right.
It’s all about the type of game you want to play. Mods are fine. Mods are fun. But do you need mods? No.