I found Lumenor SMP and it is a 24 7 custom vanilla survival server on 1.21.11. It also has ViaVersion so newer clients can join too.
You can play on Java or Bedrock and it even allows cracked clients. The cool part is the role system where you pick Passive for peaceful vibes or PvP for chaos so both types of players can exist.
The world is made for exploring with custom biomes and huge structures like ancient temples. There are powerful rewards out there so you always have something to hunt for.
Trading is player driven and it is more like villager style deals not a simple economy shop. There are PvP and Passive arenas and keep inventory is on in the arena only so you can practice without losing everything.
It also has custom armor trims that give small buffs and a custom Nether that is very challenging. They use strong anti cheat and the server is hosted in Germany with staff from a bunch of countries so it feels welcoming.
Lumenor SMP Custom Vanilla Realms
No Reset Geopolitics Vanilla Worldbuilding
I found a server called Trotuserver and it feels like a vanilla world with geopolitics. The big thing is there are no map resets so your builds can stay for the long run.
There are no land claim stuff and no teleporting. It is more about traveling and living with what you build. People make towns and nations and you can join old ones or new ones or start your own.
The server has been around for about 7 years so the world has history. It is a good place for big projects and worldbuilding and also roleplay if you like that.
It also allows Litematica EasyPlace with the setting that helps blocks place in the right direction. There are some datapacks for convenience and a plugin called Brewery for making drinks. There is also a custom resource pack and players can contribute to it.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPExilesMC 18+ No Wipe ATM9
ExilesMC is a modded Minecraft server made for people who hate putting tons of time into a world and then losing it later. This one is built for long term play with no planned wipes and it is 18+ with a whitelist.
It uses ATM9 as the base and then adds extra mods for security decoration utility and quality of life. You can go big with factories or do magic or explore a lot or just build for hours and mess with your storage until it is perfect.
The community is aiming to be more mature and calm. They want good people and a place to play without drama. There is no pay to win stuff and no pressure to rush.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPLifesteal Anarchy Chaos In Asia
I found a Minecraft server that mixes lifesteal with anarchy so it is all about fighting and stealing hearts.
It is hosted in Asia so it should feel smoother if you live near there.
It also allows cracked players so more people can jump in and cause chaos.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPAdults Only Bedrock SMP No Resets
This is a dedicated Minecraft Bedrock server made for adults who want a long term survival SMP world.
The community is active and the server is a little over a month old. It has leaderboards and clans plus an in game economy.
PvP features are planned and PvP will be optional. Lifesteal is mentioned as a popular feature that is coming soon.
The server does not do seasonal resets so the world is meant to last. They focus on stopping childish stuff like griefing and stealing.
There is a land claim system so you can protect builds. There are also player set home teleports and warp locations for places people visit a lot.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPNo Frills Hardcore Survival Challenge
Simply Hardcore is a straight up Minecraft hardcore server for players who want a real challenge.
It is true hardcore survival with simple rules and no pay to win stuff. The moderation is active and fair so it feels competitive but not toxic.
The community is pretty active with over 100 people in the Discord and it can hit up to 20 players online at once. If you want hardcore without extra gimmicks this one keeps it simple.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP