EchelonMC is a custom survival SMP that feels different from most servers I see. The owners use their own code and not a copy paste plugin pack so everything fits together really well.

The server is survival but it has extra systems that are made to help long term play. As you walk around you can make paths and get speed when you use them. There is a currency you earn just by playing and you spend it on progression and useful stuff.

Land claiming is a big focus. Claims have visual borders and per chunk settings and a bunch of anti grief tools. You can control mobs TNT fire spread raids and even fluids so builds stay safe.

There are public chunks where you can publish your builds for other players to visit. You can earn from visitors and try to climb the rankings. You can also make teams invite your friends and use team utilities while showing off team nametags.

When you die a grave appears with your items for a limited time. You also get access to back so you can return after teleports and not lose everything.

The server has voting with rewards a spawn hub with custom NPCs and utilities and Discord chat linking plus anti x ray protections. The staff update it often and they listen to player feedback.

It runs on version 1.21.11 as recommended and older versions are also supported. The server is non pay to win and built to evolve with the community.