This is a StoneBlock 4 server running on Minecraft 1.21.1 and it feels pretty smooth. It is hosted on dedicated hardware with 16 cores and 32GB of fast RAM so the server usually holds 20 tps and runs really stable.
The server is in Europe in Belarus and it also uses a proxy tunnel through Germany. Because of that players from the US and Asia usually get better ping and lower latency. It feels like the owner really cares about performance and connection.
There are fancy progression based ranks that you unlock as you advance in the game. These ranks are connected to a discord integration so your progress shows in game and on discord. It makes the grind feel more rewarding and gives you stuff to work toward.
The server started on October 30th so the world is still pretty fresh. It is a modded experience focused on StoneBlock style gameplay and progression. If you want a stable modded server with neat ranks and good ping this one looks like a solid pick.
StoneBlock 4 Progression SMP 1.21.1

Basileia Vanilla Factions PvP Wars

Basileia is a vanilla factions PvP kind of place with a big geopolitics vibe.
I found a group that plays a lot of these servers together. The chats and voice chats stay active and they run fun events every Saturday at 1pm EST.
They also say newcomers are welcome so it feels easy to jump in and start playing with people.
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPNether Online Hardcore Exploration Server

I found a server called NETHER.ONLINE and it is trying to be way more intense than normal survival. It is built around huge exploration and tough fighting so you always have something to do.
It has custom bosses plus a ton of biomes across all dimensions. You can also find custom structures dungeons and trial chambers which makes exploring feel massive.
There are custom items and resources that are chance based so you keep chasing better finds. They also have self flying elytra which sounds fast and wild.
The server says cheating is impossible because they use their own anti xray and anti esp. It also says there is no pay to win ever so it is supposed to stay fair.
It is a new server with constant updates and it is run by a passionate owner and a small dedicated staff team.
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPWILD HUNT Awakening RPG SMP Crossplay

I found The Wild Hunt Awakening and it feels like a real RPG world inside Minecraft. You pick a class and you learn skills so fights feel more like spells and combos than normal survival.
There are NPCs that feel alive and you can make powerful custom items. The server pushes you to team up because there are wild bosses and deadly dungeons that are meant for a party.
If you like fighting other players there is PvP too and you can use your arcane skills. It is crossplay for Java and Bedrock so more friends can jump in.
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPAdults Only SMP With Big Server Features

Adults Night Out is an 18 plus SMP made for people who want a calm place without kids and random chaos. It is for building exploring and just hanging out with other adults.
The server is run by active staff and it has a lot of custom features that aim to feel like a big server without the drama. They keep up with major updates and they add new stuff based on community suggestions.
Your builds are protected with CoreProtect and a simple custom land claiming system. There are daily rewards for logging in. It also has Slimefun for machine style progression and gadgets plus mcMMO so you can level up skills like mining swords and fishing.
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPPlayer-Led Nations Roleplay Worldbuilding Server

Crescenta is a player led server that has been running for over 2 years. It is all about worldbuilding storytelling and roleplay with more mature people.
The current world is called Gary and it has been around for 6 months. The goal is to keep it going for years so it still feels like the early days and there is lots of room to grow.
Instead of normal land claims it uses a Citadel style reinforcement system. Your stuff can be protected with block based protection so you do not have to stress about chunk borders.
There are multiple nations with their own traditions politics and cultures. You can join one or try to start your own nation and some groups are willing to share land so new players can get started.
It supports versions 1.21.8 to 1.21.11 and it has Java and Bedrock crossplay.
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP
