Minecraft Survival is likely how Notch envisioned Minecraft multiplayer when he implemented the feature into the game more than 10 years ago.
Minecraft survival servers can stay true to the game, or they can add their own twists with server-side plugins.
This article will provide a list of the best Minecraft survival servers in Java edition, which includes a selection of servers ranging from strict vanilla survival to servers that have been heavily modified to attempt to enhance the well-loved game mode.
Best Minecraft Survival servers for Java edition
(NOTE that servers aren't placed in any particular order)
#1 SIMPLE SURVIVAL, IP: PLAY.SIMPLESURVIVAL.GG
SimpleSurvival is a fun and friendly server that primarily concentrates on vanilla 1.16 survival. There are some plugins that could be added to the server to enhance gameplay, but they maintain the vanilla feel of the server.
This is a great option for players seeking a more sophisticated and relaxed Minecraft survival server. There is an incredibly strong sense of community on the SimpleSurvival server, and everyone is welcomed.
#2 PURPLE PRIVSON IP: PURPLEPRISON.NET
Purple Prison is a highly modified survival-style Minecraft server. Purple Prison is a low-ranking server. To escape the prison and be allowed to live in a survival-based world, they must level up. Addict Gaming It's a thrilling experience to look at the server and concept. PvP is a very active aspect.
Purple Prison has a high uptime of more than six years and hundreds of players are returning every day. The server is running so players can be confident in putting their time here.
#3 APPLECRAFT, IP: PLAY.APPLECRAFT.ORG
AppleCraft is an 1.16 focused semi-vanilla survival server. This means there are plugins that can be installed to enhance the default vanilla experience.
AppleCraft utilizes a variety of plugins to help players survive, including land protection (to avoid grief) as well as a universal command /spawn and a command /sethome to allow players to return to their homes easily. The rest is just plain Minecraft.
#4 MINEWIND, IP: PLAY.MINEWIND.NET
MineWind is another 1.16 survival server. It tries to remain as close to the default vanilla Minecraft game mode without any plugins running on the server.
MineWind's unique characteristic is that there are no moderators, administrators or in-game staff. Everyone is free to play whatever they like; the only rule on the server is absolutely no cheating.
#5 SURVIVEWITHUS, IP: MC.SURVIVEWITH.US
SurviveWithUs, a semi-vanilla Minecraft survival servers, has many features that make it different from other survival servers. Some of the most important features include weekly events and custom bosses as well as trading and quests.
The server states that it "never resets". So, users can be confident that their hard-earned money will not be lost.
#6 ASPIRA MC, IP: PLAY.ASPIRAMC.COM
Aspira MC is an epic Minecraft survival server, which is over 8 years in the making. The server follows a strict no-griefing policy and has some truly stunning builds.
The AspiraMC server adds some unique twists to the traditional survival mode, such as Jobs, Duels and a custom "coins" system that can be used to trade with other players.
#7 MOX MC, IP: MOXMC.NET
MoxMC is a laid-back and chilled Minecraft server that has a lot of vanilla survival elements. Players can manage and create their own towns or join one (with the approval of the mayor).
The server does not take it too seriously. The community is a tight knit one that is full of humor and jokes.
#8 OHHGEE IP: MC.OHHGEE.NET
OhhGee is a dedicated and unique Minecraft server that aims to transport long-time Minecraft players back to the days of 2012, by emulating the popular land-claiming techniques of early survival servers.
The OhhGee server isn't equipped with lots of modern and unnecessary features like its peers. It offers a few community warps, land-claiming features to secure builds, and that's all there is to it. Everything else is basic.
#9 EARTHMC, IP: PLAY.EARTHMC.NET
EarthMC is an amazing idea that deserves to be on this list. The server is a sandbox-based survival world inspired by the planet Earth, which is now a game.
EarthMC gives players the capability to build and manage their own nations and to engage in geo-political relationships between themselves within the crowded world of Minecraft. The server currently hosts over 2000 towns and is growing.
#10 VULENGATE, IP: PLAY.VULENGATE
Vulengate is a community-oriented Minecraft survival server. The 'keep inventory" setting is enabled. This means that when players die, nothing is lost. They come back with their entire inventory intact. This gameplay design is bold but it will be appealing to certain players.