Star Chart vs Quests

So, I've been thinking of getting back into Warframe again. A little upset because when I last played, everything came to a standstill because I couldn't clear any more the star chart than I had. I remember being told (by some of the others that got me into it) not to even worry about any quests or anything. Fast forward a few years and I'm watching Aztecross on YouTube wiping the floor with the star chart, clearing out quests, acquiring new things, all in a matter of weeks. Do I need to complete the quests as well? I don't remember everything I had, but if I remember correctly, I had Rhino being made, but I had a maxed out Excalibur with whatever weapon I had (also maxed out).