Royal Variations is a lightweight Forge mod that adds enhanced royal versions of vanilla mobs, each with unique abilities, increased health, and special drops. Created by mongoose_artist for Minecraft 1.19.2, 1.19.4, and 1.20.1 so far, the mod brings more challenge and reward to survival without overloading your game with random potion bosses.

Royal Zombies can empower nearby mobs, Royal Skeletons shoot deadly headshots, and Royal Creepers spread toxic spores that buff monsters and weaken players. Each royal mob drops exclusive items like the Spiritual Crown, which lets you transform mobs into royal versions, or the Royal Staff, which buffs allies in combat.

Items like Royal Bone Meal, Royal Bombs, and Knight Helmets offer unique benefits and crafting options. All mobs can be disabled individually through gamerules, and the mod requires GeckoLib to function.

If you want tougher enemies and better loot with a vanilla-friendly style, Royal Variations is a great pick.
Download it here: https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods/royal-variations