The Pen is a classic prison server that feels like old school Minecraft. It is not an overpowered prison. You start with basic tools and leather armor and you actually have to grind to rank up.

You work through the ranks from A all the way up to Parolee and then Citizen. To make money you mine and smelt your ores and you have to walk through pvp zones to sell them in the commissary. There is no instant sell so the grind feels tough but fair. You can also earn cash by fishing growing illegal plants or running your own shop.

There are guards who watch the prison and they can take your contraband. Swords and potions are illegal. If a guard sees you with them they can pvp you and even send you to solitary confinement for bad behavior. It makes the whole place feel like a real prison with risk everywhere.

You can rent a prison cell or a prison plot to store items grow those special illegal plants or build a small base. Quests give extra money or special items and there are prestiges after you hit top rank so you can keep pushing further. There is also an auction house bounties on other players and parkour challenges all around the prison.

The server is mainly about that 2014 style grind and community. People are expected to survive fight and trade while the guards try to keep things under control.