This is a lifesteal style SMP called the Skerp SMP and it is an open world server.
You do not just grind for the best gear. Maces and elytras are only gained through events. If you try to get them any other way it is banned. So winning events actually matters a lot.
There are teams you can join so you are not stuck playing alone. This also helps a ton because it is lifesteal and if you go solo you will probably get wiped fast.
The discord has around one hundred players and voice chats are pretty active. People are usually hanging out and talking while playing. The whole server feels like a group trying to survive together but also compete in events at the same time.
