I found a Vanilla plus survival server on 1.20.1 that is built around a really weird world border idea. The border starts at 500 by 500 and it grows every time someone new joins. That means the world slowly opens up and it feels like the server is unlocking itself.
It also uses Origins so you can pick from custom origin choices. The owner is still taking suggestions too so it sounds like players can help shape what gets added.
There is also a Lifesteal twist for PVP. If you kill another player they lose a heart and you gain that heart. If someone dies to the environment it does not take away hearts. The server is opening soon and joining early is supposed to give you a head start.
Growing Border Origins Lifesteal SMP
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPPastlands Modded SMP Create Colonies Magic
The Pastlands is a 1.20.1 Forge modded SMP that is built to feel active and lived in. It is all about long term survival with people who like working together and making big projects.
The server runs a custom CurseForge modpack that gets updated every two weeks. It focuses on Create with lots of addons plus MineColonies and several magic mods like Ars Nouveau Occultism and Botania. There is also big world generation with extra structures like dungeons towns and more so exploring stays fun.
They have claims and protection plus chunk and force loading. The staff is active and actually plays and they use polls and feedback so the community can help decide what gets added after testing.
They say the world is meant to last with no random wipes. The server is self hosted on their own hardware with optimized configs and regular maintenance so it should stay stable while the community grows.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP