Have you tried leaning into their natures? If they're combat monsters start throwing the world in a loop. Bounties on heads, assassins in their sleep, allies start falling left and right to give them a few days of respite. Only to have the hounds at the door again. In my option that's the terror of stepping on a giants toes.
If they're invested in the game and their characters then just have fun with things.
I ran the system for a few players a while back before 2e, I was able to keep them invested by the world itself. But mine ended around 15 or 16. If you're having doubts ask them what they'd like. Lean into the Rp hard or the combat even harder.