I found a survival multiplayer server called Overstressed SMP and it just launched after weeks of work.
It has a custom questline with over 250 quests so there is always something to do. It also has a player run economy with shops and a currency system.
The spawn is massive and built by the staff team and it sounds like you are supposed to explore it. When you leave spawn you can pick your route like taking a bridge to town or going down into the forest.
There is a road network that connects the world and you can grab starter spurs then get a horse and start your journey.
OVERSTRESSED SMP IS LIVE NOW
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPFresh Anarchy SMP With Room To Roam
I found this anarchy SMP and it still feels pretty new. It was registered February 22 so there is a lot of space left to explore.
I have been playing for about a week and it has been fun just roaming and building stuff with people. I helped the owner build a northern highway from spawn out to virgin land.
If you like anarchy style survival and big open travel this place feels like a good start. Come in and see how far you can go.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPAOT Survival SMP With Hidden Titans
This server is a week long survival event set in an Attack on Titan style world. It uses a huge custom dimension and you spawn into different villages spread across the map. You start with some basic supplies plus a set of ODM gear and there are horses for getting around.
The big thing is there is no global chat. Talking only works with proximity voice so you have to be near people to communicate. It makes everything feel tense because you never know who is close by.
On day 2 five random players secretly become Titans and they look like normal players. Their goal is to kill everyone and stop survivors from escaping the dimension. Every in game day ends with a vote where players try to figure out who is a Titan.
There are lots of places to explore like villages forests rivers dead zones and even a beach at the edge with a sealed portal. Titans also roam the wild so even traveling can get scary.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP