I found a new SMP server called Extreme SMP and it is made to be very hard. It is not meant for casual survival and it feels like a real challenge the whole time.
The server has a hardcore economy and the players are competitive so you should expect people to play seriously. Progression is tough and you are supposed to earn everything the hard way.
It runs on version 1.21 and it is for people who only want to join if they can survive.
EXTREME HARD SMP CHALLENGE 1.21
competitive survival worldgrindy progression pathhardcore style economyrisk-reward gameplaysurvive or quit
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPTrue Vanilla Hardcore Deathbans Crossplay
I found a true vanilla survival server that keeps it simple with minimal plugins and no ranks and no pay to win stuff.
It has a big world border so you can travel far and build out. The main twist is you get tempbanned when you die so staying alive actually matters.
When you first join you spawn with some starter items plus invis and regen so you can sneak away from spawn and get set up.
It works on both Java 1.21.11 and Bedrock 1.21.131 so friends can play together.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP