I found a new Minecraft Java SMP that is focused on long term players who actually stick around. It is semi vanilla survival on hard and it is running on Java 1.21.11.
Achievements are enabled and they also have 1 player sleep so nights do not drag forever. The server has been running for about a month.
It is adults only ages 18 plus and the rules are simple. No griefing no stealing no cheating and no PvP unless both players agree.
Waystone is a small semi vanilla survival server that feels like the Hermitcraft style where people actually talk and build stuff that stays. It is made for a long term world with a calm pace and a community that tries to feel like friends.
It is not pay to win and it does not do constant resets. You can build big or small and take your time. There is land claiming so your builds stay safe but it does not feel too annoying.
Deaths are less stressful because your items get saved in a gravestone for a few hours. As you play you also level up skills and get small perks over time and it is not meant to be super grindy.
When you go raiding together everyone gets their own loot so people do not fight over it. There is optional proximity voice chat so you can talk when you are near people or use party chat if you want.
The world has seasons and holiday events and little details to make it feel alive. The server is whitelist only and it runs on Java 1.21.11 and it is hosted in the UK.