I found MCBloodlines and it is a brand new hardcore SMP that is invite only. It is built to make people play in groups and slowly build up real civilizations over time.
The cool part is only players who are already invited can invite new people. It makes the community grow in a more natural way and it helps keep random trolls out.
There are also secret tweaks and mechanics that you are not given guides for. Players have to figure stuff out on their own which makes paying attention actually matter.
It also has a clan and family system so you do not just spawn alone in a hardcore world. You join because someone invited you so you start as part of a group and a story that keeps going.
Hardcore Bloodlines Civilization SMP
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPClosed Beta Vanilla Java Test Server
I found a small closed beta vanilla Java server that wants a few committed players or small groups. It is survival focused and the progress is meant to take a long time.
The main point is testing long term stability while you actually play and progress. They want people to notice weird behavior soft locks or crashes and also see how things interact with custom code. Some mechanics are kept secret so you can discover them.
It is whitelist only with a small tester pool and it may be a bit harder than normal survival. The server is hosted in US West but they said anyone can join if they are fine with occasional instability.
To get in you have to do a short voice chat intro before you get whitelisted. Scheduling can take a bit since it depends on when both sides are free.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPInvite Only Hardcore Civilization SMP
I found this brand new hardcore SMP that is invite only and it is built around groups and civilization growth.
The big thing is you do not just join like normal. Only people who are already inside can invite new players. It is meant to feel like population growth and it helps keep trolls out.
There are secret tweaks and mechanics too. They do not hand you guides so you have to figure stuff out yourself and pay attention.
It also has a clan and family setup so you do not spawn alone in a hardcore world. You join because someone invited you so you start as part of a group and you get pulled into the story with everyone else.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP