I found a survival server running on 1.21.10 and it feels like a mostly vanilla SMP with a clean setup.
The big twist is custom structures placed around the world so exploring does not get boring and you can stumble into cool stuff while roaming.
It also supports joining from multiple Minecraft versions because it uses ViaVersion and ViaBackwards so you do not have to be exactly on 1.21.10.
The community is small and still growing and the whole place is meant for building exploring or just chilling without feeling like another number. Performance is also said to be stable.
Vanilla Survival SMP With Custom Structures
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPEU No Reset Survival With Custom Plugins
I found a survival server called MinecraftOffline that runs on version 1.21.11 and it is based in Finland so it should feel smooth for European players.
The big thing is the world is permanent and they say there are no resets so your builds can stay for the long run.
It also uses custom written plugins to make gameplay feel different and more unique than the usual survival experience. The server also talks about having reasonable hardware so it should run steady.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPOne Year Old Anarchy World
MinecraftOffline is an anarchy server that has been running for a year so it feels like a real world with history.
It is on version 1.21.11 and the map is permanent so stuff stays.
The server uses a custom plugin suite and it is hosted in Finland so it should feel good for players in Europe.
It also has solid hardware and a 1 Gbit network so it is built to handle people playing for a long time.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPAnarchy.ae Semi-Anarchy SMP No Wipes
I found Anarchy.ae and it is a long term semi anarchy survival world. It is meant for people who want freedom but still want the server to stay playable.
The world is persistent and it does not do wipes or seasons. Stuff you build can stay for a long time and ruins and roads and old bases become part of the history.
Pvp is on and raiding is allowed so bases can get found and fights can happen. People can team up then split up later and the map shows what players did over time.
It stays close to vanilla and it has light quality of life stuff without turning it into shortcuts. It also has some moderation to keep it fair and stable and it blocks unfair exploits.
You can join on Java or Bedrock because it has crossplay. It runs on dedicated hardware in Germany and it is focused on long term stability and regular backups.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPFresh Modded PVP on Toxic Network
I found Toxic Network and it is a fresh modded PVP place on Minecraft 1.20.1.
They are running two servers right now with Prominence II and Soulrend. The Prominence II version is 3.9.17 and the Soulrend version is 7.3.2.
They host from the EU but they say US players should still feel almost no lag difference. They also said they want to open more servers later since these are new.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPSemi Anarchy Vanilla With No Resets
I found Anarchy.ae and it is a long term vanilla survival world where you can do your own thing. The map does not do seasons and it does not reset so stuff can actually have history.
It is semi anarchy so there are no claims and no land protection. You can get into conflict and your base can be found. It is still moderated so it stays playable and fair and not just a grief only wasteland.
It is not pay to win and there are no kits or store advantages. It supports both Java and Bedrock and they try to keep crossplay fair by blocking certain exploits and unfair movement.
There are a few quality of life commands to cut down on boring stuff. The server runs on dedicated hardware in Germany and they do regular backups for stability.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP18+ Whitelist Semi Vanilla SMP Grind
I found a brand new community SMP that opened last weekend and it is semi vanilla but still has some cool upgrades.
It is whitelist only and 18+ only. There are no ranks and no donor perks. There is no server shop so players trade with a diamond based economy. There are also no teleport shortcuts so travel feels real.
The world uses Terralith generation and it has ValhallaMMO plus ValhallaTrinkets for deeper progression. Players can run shops with shopkeepers and rent market space too. There is Bluemap for looking at the world and Bell Claims for land claiming.
Phantoms are disabled. The Ender Dragon respawns weekly and it is reworked into a multi phase raid boss fight. The server runs Java 1.21.11 in NA and it is usually busiest in US time zones with a small but growing player count.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP18+ Whitelisted Semi Vanilla SMP Grind
FellowshipSMP is a brand new community SMP that just opened last weekend. It is whitelist only and it is 18+ only so it feels more focused.
It keeps things pretty fair since there are no ranks and no donor perks. There is no server shop and the economy is diamond based. There are also no teleport shortcuts so travel and base location actually matter.
The server has deeper progression with ValhallaMMO and ValhallaTrinkets. The world uses Terralith generation. Players can run shops with Shopkeepers and rent market spaces with AdvancedRegionMarket. There is also Bluemap for viewing the world and Bell Claims for land claiming.
Phantoms are turned off. The Ender Dragon can respawn weekly and it is reworked into a multi phase raid boss fight. It runs on Java 1.21.11 and the server region is NA with popular play times in US time zones.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPZaosMC Long Term Survival RPG PvP
ZaosMC is a Minecraft Java survival RPG server that feels built for the long run. It is not a quick SMP that resets all the time. The world is meant to stay so your builds and progress keep mattering.
It has survival RPG progression with skills and upgrades and custom gear. You can play chill and build big bases or go deep into grinding and end game progression. PvP is part of the vibe too.
The economy is player driven with trading and shops and auctions so items have real value. The server also says it is not pay to win since donations are only cosmetic or convenience.
It looks like they focus on stable performance and active development. The community is described as friendly and international so different playstyles fit in.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPMyChunk Creative 1.21 Free WorldEdit
MyChunk is a creative server made for builders who want a clean and stable place to work. It is focused on architects and people who like serious builds.
Everyone starts with WorldEdit for free so you can build fast without any paywall stuff. The server also uses a MyWorld system so you get your own personal space and you can decide who can enter and who can help.
Protection is a big deal here so your builds stay safe unless you allow someone. The server is for 1.21+ and it is meant to be online 24/7 with a friendly and mature community.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP