Highlights
- Minecraft servers offer a wide variety of game modes, from team-based PvP to survival and even themed servers combining popular games like Pokemon or Grand Theft Auto.
- Some popular Minecraft servers, like Mineplex and Hypixel, receive constant updates and development, adding new features and game modes for players to enjoy.
- Servers like Minewind and WesterosCraft offer unique and immersive experiences, providing challenging gameplay and recreating popular fictional worlds within Minecraft.
Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world, and it just keeps getting better with each update. It’s the ultimate sandbox experience where everything is left up to you, the player. That being said, players sometimes get tired of the same Minecraft solo experience and look for something different.
Thankfully, there are hundreds of Minecraft servers out there just waiting to be explored. Whether you're looking for team-based PvP, pure survival, Skyblock, or anything in between, we've got a server for you. Below, we'll take a look at some of the best Minecraft servers you can play on right now.
Updated September 21, 2023 by Jacob Whaling: We've refreshed this list with even more multiplayer servers to try, including the amazing WesterosCraft, which strives to recreate the entire world of the Game of Thrones series in Minecraft.
16 Mineplex
- IP Address: us.mineplex.com (Java), pe.mineplex.com (Bedrock)
Mineplex is one of the larger Minecraft servers available, with tons of different and unique game modes like Super Smash mobs, a PvP mode based on the Smash Bros series, or Cake Wars, in which you work with a team to protect your cake from being eaten.
As an official Minecraft partner, Mineplex receives constant development, adding new features and modes frequently. Plus, this server works flawlessly on Bedrock clients, perfect for players playing on the console version.
15 PokeSaga
- IP Address: play.pokesaga.org
Minecraft and Pokemon are two of the most popular games out there, so it was only a matter of time until players built a Minecraft server combining the two. The PokeSaga server is the best of both worlds. You’ll need the Pixelmon mod to play on this server and just be aware that some quality-of-life mods might cause problems when playing on this server.
Every player starts off at the same spot in PokeSaga and is able to catch, train, and battle Pokemon from the get-go. It follows the typical progression of the Pokemon games where you have to challenge gym leaders and earn badges to advance to the next area.
14 Grand Theft Minecart
- IP Address: mcsl.gtm.network
Grand Theft Auto and Minecraft is the mash-up we never thought would happen until Grand Theft Minecart was released. Of course, this server is going to be much more violent than anything you’d normally find in vanilla Minecraft, but it’s still a great time regardless.
You’re put into a replica of Los Santos where there are essentially no rules. You could do whatever you want and make money however you want. Sometimes, you’re just getting shot down left, right and center, but when you can actually survive, it’s pure entertainment.
13 Minescape
- IP Address: play.gameslabs.net
Runescape is a game that’s dear to the hearts of a lot of gamers, especially when it comes to old-school Runescape specifically. Many of us spent so much time in front of our PCs grinding the game, and now you could do the same in Minescape.
Minescape is one of the best Minecraft worlds ever built. It absolutely nails the fantasy setting and has all the features that made Runescape such a great game. The server features the same locations, mobs, and skills as the original game. If you want to relive Runescape, you can do it through Minescape in Minecraft.
12 Piratecraft
- IP Address: mc.priatemc.com
If you ever wanted to sail the seven seas in Minecraft, now you can in the Piratecraft server. The problem with the ships you build in regular Minecraft is that they don’t move. They look great, but they can’t propel themselves forwards. In Piratecraft, your ships can actually move and even attack each others with cannons and other weapons.
You can custom-build ships in Piratecraft to create a vessel that really stands out from the crowd. From there, you can enter your ship in competitions to earn some treasures. If you’re a fan of Sea of Thieves, then Piratecraft is perfect for you.
11 Minewind
- IP Address: server.minewind.com
If you’re looking for a way to make survival mode more challenging, then you’re going to want to take a look at Minewind. Minewind isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ll need to keep your head on a swivel to survive in this server as there are essentially no rules.
The game is set up as a survival server with MMO elements, but the lack of any real rules leads to plenty of player-killing, lies, and deceit. If you want the darkest and most gritty Minecraft experience possible, Minewind will be one of your favorite servers.
10 The Hive (Bedrock Only)
- IP Address: play.hivemc.com
Formerly known as HiveMC, The Hive is another massive Minecraft server composed of many game types. Their community is one of the friendliest in Minecraft, and they’re always open to suggestions about new mini-games to add.
One of the most popular game modes in The Hive is hide-and-seek, the famous children’s game. Essentially, you’re given a limited amount of time to find a hiding spot and, once you’ve found it, you blend in by becoming one of the surrounding blocks. It’s a mix of prop hunt and hide-and-seek.
9 Hypixel
- IP Address: mc.hypixel.net
Hypixel is the most popular Minecraft server, and for good reason. There are tons of different game modes available, like the ever-popular Skyblock and Bedwars, as well as unique modes like Murder Mystery or Cops and Crims.
With so many players always online, and so many different game modes to play, as well as a flourishing economy and progression systems, Hypixel may be the only server you ever need. If you haven't taken a look at Hypixel yet, go check it out.
8 Manacube
- IP Address: play.manacube.com
Manacube is a very good choice for those who don’t want to spend money in-game. There are very minimal pay-to-win elements with Manacube, making it a popular choice. A lot of players choose Manacube for its amazing skyblock servers, but it has plenty of other game modes as well.
In one of their survival game modes, you begin on an island mostly submerged in acid and have to find a way to survive. They also have a prison-based game mode where everyone is given a plot of land to work with that could eventually be expanded. There’s a lot of content worth checking out in Manacube.
7 Wynncraft
- IP Address: play.wynncraft.com
Wynncraft is an MMO-style server that takes you to the vast world of Wynn. Choosing between five different classes, you can take on quests, level up, explore dungeons, and more, all in Minecraft. Wynncraft is completely different from other MMO-style servers in Minecraft due to its detailed map and unique questing system.
If you're looking for a new MMO to play, you may be surprised to find a great one in Wynncraft. There are tons of players always online, providing the key environment for cooperative play that any MMO needs.
6 DiamondFire
- IP Address: mcdiamondfire.com
DiamondFire is a unique server that allows its users to play and create their own custom mini-games. With complete creative freedom, you can create any number of unique mini-games that other players can join in on.
These games fall under several main categories, like trivia, parkour, PvP, survival, and more. If you're looking to flex your creative muscles, or play new and exciting mini-games, then DiamondFire is the place to be.
5 PvP Legacy
- IP Address: play.pvplegacy.net
PvP Legacy is one of the most prominent 1.16-based PvP servers. Version 1.16 has some of the most intricate combat of Minecraft's updates, emphasizing timing your hits accurately to deal the most damage. Because of this, PvP Legacy offers a server for training and practicing your technique against other players.
By creating custom kits, you can craft unique PvP loadouts, then take them into duels and tournaments against other players. As one of the largest PvP-dedicated servers, you'll never have to worry about waiting to find a match; there are always tons of players online.
4 Complex Gaming
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IP Addresses:
- hub.mc-complex.com (vanilla)
- tekkit.mc-complex.com (Tekkit)
- pixel.mc-complex.com (Pixelmon)
- ftb.mc-complex.com (FTB)
Complex Gaming offers four different types of servers. One is the vanilla Minecraft experience, with classic modes like Skyblock, survival, and factions, while the other three are modded servers. These include popular modpacks like Pixelmon, Feed the Beast, and Tekkit.
Besides the vanilla server, you'll need the necessary modpacks to play on these servers. However, once you have everything set up, you'll have a variety of multiplayer content to choose from, like catching Pokemon in Pixelmon or building complex machines in Tekkit. If you're looking for a diverse list of content to play, Complex Gaming has it all.
3 Blockdrop
- IP Address: mc.Blockdrop.org
Blockdrop is a multi-gamemode server with a thriving community. Between Survival, Bedwars, Skyblock, Factions, and more, there are a variety of modes to try out with your new friends. If you're looking to meet new players and join up together, head over to the official Blockdrop Discord server that's always active.
Blockdrop is a cracked Minecraft server, which means you can join this server even if you don't technically own Minecraft, or if you're using a non-Mjoang supported installation like TLauncher. While this opens up the server to potential security issues, it also means more players can join. As always, be sure to keep these risks in mind when joining a new server.
2 Purple Prison
- IP Address: purpleprison.org
Purple Prison is a dedicated server for the ever-popular Prison gamemode. Prison servers are usually centered around grinding blocks to sell for money, which you then use to rank up, gaining access to new features, gear, and new mines to grind in.
As a dedicated Prison server, Purple Prison has tons of extra content that sets it apart from your typical server. You can set up your own plot and build whatever you want on it, join a gang and duel other players, and much more. If you're looking for a welcoming Prison-based server with a great community, Purple Prison is the server to join.
1 WesterosCraft
- IP Address: mc.westeroscraft.com
WesterosCraft is a fully modded Minecraft server that is slowly recreating the entirety of Westeros - the setting of the popular Game of Thrones world - in Minecraft. After setting up the modpack and joining the server, you can explore locations from the series like King's Landing, Dragonstone, the Wall, and more.
While WesterosCraft is a creative mode server, there is still plenty to do while you explore. You can solve puzzles and riddles, role-play your favorite scenes, or even join the community of builders and help expand the blocky world of Westeros.