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.
True Vanilla Hardcore Deathbans Crossplay
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP
UnitedFront Geopolitical SMP With Nation Wars
UnitedFront is a survival multiplayer server where players run the world through nations and politics. People make alliances and deals then they break them too. It feels like the map changes because of what players decide.
You can create a nation or join one and help shape a government or political system. Wars can be declared and fights happen for territory and borders. The economy matters too since trade and control can turn into power.
It is made for serious competition with structured progression. The server is for 1.21+ and it has crossplay. It also says there are no map resets so your empire can last.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPLuminary Falls Adults Only SMP No Resets
Luminary Falls is a long term survival SMP for adults who want a chill place that lasts. It is whitelist only and 18+ and it is made for a mature community.
The server runs Minecraft 1.21.11 on Java and it also supports Bedrock crossplay. It keeps the classic survival feel but uses quality of life plugins and datapacks to make things smoother without feeling unfair.
There are resource worlds so the main world does not need resets and your builds can stay for years. They also allow non advantage client mods like Litematica Xaeros Sodium and Dynamic Lights.
The community is active with players from around the world and the vibe is uplifting and LGBTQ+ friendly. You can build explore farm do redstone and join community events and usually someone is online.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP5tarRock Medieval Geopol Semi Vanilla
5tarRock is a small geopol style server that is semi vanilla on Java.
It has a medieval times vibe with a bunch of custom in house plugins made by the server. The goal is to make the world feel different without turning it into a totally new game.
There is also a huge detailed custom map. It is built to feel realistic like a real planet with real geography.
The owner is redoing the server right now and wants a more active community moving forward.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPGoldspireMC Season 3 Semi-Vanilla Grind
GoldspireMC is a semi vanilla survival server that is on Season 3 right now. It feels like it is made for people who want to grind and earn their stuff instead of watching someone swipe a card.
The ranks and crate stuff can be unlocked with in game money so paying is not the only way. The economy is run by players with shops and warps so trading and selling is a big part of the server.
You can play on Java or Bedrock which is nice for friend groups. It also has Discord chat connected so people can talk even when they are away.
The Nether and the End have a locator bar enabled so PvP can happen more and it is a high risk high reward vibe. Staff are active and they have rules against scamming and TP trapping so it stays fair.
They also upgraded the server specs to help with lag and they are planning more events after their hub event.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPModded Squad PvP Weekly Events
Battlefield inspired mapsFast paced firefightsModded combat gameplaynew player friendlyOrganized PvP teams
Frontline Combat is a modded team based PvP server that goes for a squad and battlefield style kind of fight.
It runs regular events every week and the server tries to get better each time.
It also uses its own custom mods and content and it is looking to grow the player base.
This server is Java only.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP