I found a server that is already running and it is trying to avoid that same old problem where people get stacked too fast and everyone quits. This one is a 1.21.11 Fabric semi anarchy server with light quality of life mods. It says it is not pay to win and nothing is game breaking.
The big moment is the Nether opening at 3:00 PM UTC. That is when the rush starts for quartz and nether gold and ancient debris. The world is still fresh so it feels like you are not late and there are no unstoppable empires yet.
They also say there are in game rewards plus community events and invite rewards. The server is being developed for the long term and not just a one week hype thing.
Nether Opens 3PM UTC Fresh Start
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPAdults Only SMP With Big Server Features
Adults Night Out is an 18 plus survival server made for people who want a calmer place to play. It is built for adults who want to build and explore without dealing with kids griefing or stealing.
The server is run by active staff and it gets new updates and features over time. They talk a lot about having a big server style feature list while still feeling clean and easy to enjoy.
Your builds are protected with CoreProtect and a custom land claiming plugin so grief and theft are a lot less scary. There are also daily rewards so you get something just for showing up.
It includes Slimefun for modpack style machines and gadgets with extra mechanics and lore. It also has mcMMO so you can level skills like mining swords and fishing and show off your progress.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPNether Online Hardcore Exploration Server
I found a server called NETHER.ONLINE and it is trying to be way more intense than normal survival. It is built around huge exploration and tough fighting so you always have something to do.
It has custom bosses plus a ton of biomes across all dimensions. You can also find custom structures dungeons and trial chambers which makes exploring feel massive.
There are custom items and resources that are chance based so you keep chasing better finds. They also have self flying elytra which sounds fast and wild.
The server says cheating is impossible because they use their own anti xray and anti esp. It also says there is no pay to win ever so it is supposed to stay fair.
It is a new server with constant updates and it is run by a passionate owner and a small dedicated staff team.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP