I found this server called Team Extreme and it is all about factions and pvp and not an smp at all.
You join and pick a side and focus on fighting and building up your base. The whole thing is about progression and grinding and getting stronger so you can win more fights.
There are multiple open worlds so you can mine and explore and keep moving around. It feels different from the usual smp servers because it is made to be a clean factions server with its own ideas and not just some copy paste server.
The server is on version 1.20.1 so it uses newer stuff from the game.
Team Extreme Factions PvP Server
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP
Crafted Survival Semi Vanilla SMP
golden shovel claimsjava bedrock togetherrank perk progressionresource world hoppingSemi-vanilla survival
I found a semi vanilla SMP server that is all about community and building cool stuff while still feeling like real survival.
It has a diamond based economy so people trade with diamonds and run player shops. There is also a shops menu so you can browse stores fast or set up your own.
Claims are a big deal here since you can protect your builds with golden shovels. It is PvE focused with no griefing and it also does not use keep inventory.
Java and Bedrock players can play together. There is a live world map you can check in your browser and separate resource worlds so the main world stays clean. You can also earn ranks and vote rewards and there are weekly events with a friendly community.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPFresh 1.21.1 Survival SMP With Shops
I found a Java 1.21.1 survival SMP that is meant to stay small and feel like a real community. It is focused on long term play where your builds and progress actually matter.
It keeps a vanilla survival feel but adds quality of life stuff like tpa and sethome. There is also a player shop system so people can trade and build an economy.
They have crates and daily kits plus a daily crate and tokens you can spend. Proximity voice chat is available but it is optional.
Events are starting soon with PvP and group events where you can win prizes. The world is planned to be long term with no resets so you can commit to big projects.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPRealm of Thrones Kingdom Wars SMP
Realm of Thrones is a small crossplay server where people build nations and try to grow into the top kingdom.
You can build up your own kingdom then level it up over time. Some players go for peace and trading while others go for fighting and conquest. The whole vibe is strategy and community stuff with empires forming and clashing.
There is a money system and ranks that go up with play time. As you rise you get more access and more prestige so it feels like you are always progressing.
You can also use configurable tech parts to make factories and try to become a big industry player. There are quality of life upgrades too so it stays fun with things like legendary fishing to sell, crates, a server shop, player shops, jobs you can level, and McMMO skills. They also just added around 25 quests and it is new and still being tested.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPLong Term Java Bedrock Survival
This is a long term Minecraft server that supports both Java and Bedrock players.
It looks like you join through their Discord to get the server IP and connect with the community.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPGaia Legends Fresh Start Semi Vanilla
I found a server called Gaia Legends and it is super new like about a week old. Even with a low player base it feels really polished and well setup.
It is semi vanilla and it has custom items plus jobs and other extra stuff. The cool part is it is easy to understand and everything feels simple to use in game.
There are crates but it does not feel pay to win. It sounds like you can get the crate stuff just by playing normally.
The owner is really active and seems to care a lot about the server and helping it grow. If you want to join a server from the start this one seems like a good pick.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP