>>1180785Originally building was all that you could do. Later on they added the Nether, then the Enderdragon to give the game an ending and it kinda grew from there.
Experience is used to enchant your gear, and the Nether is for potions and to access the Wither boss. You CAN completely forget the adventure part and have fun, but it is nice to go from struggling on the first night to absolutely stomping a dragon.
(Then reviving him and catching his breath for throwable potions.)