I think there does not need to be just one or the other. Talking to NPCs is just as much fun as killing the monster and if the talk actually aids in killing the monster or brings complications, it's even more fun, because overcoming obstacles of any kind is what's fun in roleplaying games.
I am mostly focusing on tabletop here, because computer games often pale in comparison, but regardless, a good mix makes a good game.
It's personal preference if you lean more into action or social, but I find either end of the spectrum to be to limited to just one thing.
It's personal preference if you lean more into action or social, but I find either end of the spectrum to be to limited to just one thing.