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 IPNot Late This Time SMP
This is a fresh SMP style server where you are not showing up after everyone is already maxed out. It is meant to feel like the start again with no huge empires yet and no untouchable players.
It runs on 1.21.11 and it is Fabric with light mods. It is semi anarchy with simple rules and the rest is just part of the game.
I saw that they are doing in game rewards plus community events and invite rewards. The server is also in active development and they say it is built to last long term.
There are places to explore and loot to restore and secrets hidden around the world.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPSparked SMP Build Focused Close Knit Survival
Sparked is a long term survival server that is all about building and being social. It has that Hermitcraft kind of vibe but people still keep it original. The community is close knit and the admins stay involved and keep things running.
When you join it feels simple and vanilla and that is on purpose. There are no warps and no land claims and not a bunch of text telling you what to do. It feels like a friend started a world and you just hopped in.
It still has mods that help protect builds if something bad happens. It also has some extras that do not mess with vanilla like more mob heads player heads armor stand posing proximity voice chat and a live map. There is transparency about server costs specs and bans and the vibe is meant to be mature and adult.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP