How do you guys balance fantasy and realism?

The original premise for my world was a dark fantasy setting like berserk or dark souls, but set in an early to mid 19th century inspired setting (with heavy emphasis on maritime elements) rather than a late medieval one. I feel like it’s shaping up to be more akin to an alternate history more than anything, and I’m having trouble stepping out my comfort zone of divergent but still very grounded geopolitics, industry, religion, etcetera.

Even my horrific monsters are at the very least plausible; they derive from preexisting animals with alternate adaptations due to environmental circumstances.

Should I embrace the more grounded direction? Maybe the lack of observable magic or supernatural elements is a good thing?

Again, I’d love to hear how you guys deal with this balance in your own worlds.