Best Minecraft Servers [2024 Updated List] - GamingScan (2024)

Want to know what are the best Minecraft servers for survival and creative modes? We’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re looking for PvP Minecraft servers, mini-game Minecraft servers, or something else, there are tons of communities looking to grow their numbers with players just like you.

So join us as we highlight the best Minecraft servers to play on in 2024, including our top picks for Minecraft servers with mods and custom game modes.

Below, you’ll find a description for each server listed along with their IP address; we encourage you to bookmark this list and check back as we continue to update it with new Minecraft servers.

Let’s get started!

The first server we recommend joining is Complex Gaming, which supports Minecraft version 1.18 along with any older or lower versions.

It features a wide selection of game modes incOPBlocksluding Factions, Survival, Skyblock, Pixelmon, Prison, Vanilla, and SMP.

Since it’s hosted in the United States, Complex Gaming is best suited for players within the same region.

OPBlocks is another Minecraft server that supports version 1.18 and above or lower while being hosted in the United States.

On it, players can explore game modes like Prison, Survival, SMP, Skyblock, PvE, Factions, Vanilla, and more.

The server is well-supported by players and receives consistent updates in the form of community events and limited-time game modes.

Next up, Vortex Network is a US-hosted server that supports Minecraft version 1.17 as well as both newer and older versions.

The server has a unique space theme and regular resets that help even the playing field for new members.

Players are treated to a suite of game modes that includes Survival, Skyblock, Prison, Pixelmon, Factions, and other Vortex Network exclusives.

LemonCloud is an event-based Minecraft server where players can explore game modes like Skyblock, Survival, SMP, Vanilla, Parkour, PvE, and Economy.

The server also holds regular monthly build competitions where players can show off their creative skills and earn virtual lemons or enter raffles for cool rewards.

Events and competitions each focus on a specific theme that challenges players to think outside the box and draw support from voters.

Our next recommendation also happens to be one of the largest Minecraft servers and offers an abundance of activities to keep players coming back.

On Mineplex, players can explore a wide selection of FPS, fighting, and survival-inspired game modes that build upon the Minecraft formula while introducing fun new mechanics.

Additionally, this server is well supported by its staff, resulting in an overall more welcoming environment with minimal griefing.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to explore a griefer’s paradise, then Minewind may just be the perfect Minecraft server for you.

This survival MMORPG-themed server sees you trying to stay alive for as long as possible while fending off attacks from enemy players and an endless supply of mobs.

You’ll find the Minewind community is filled with deceiving players who will try to trick, double-cross, and ultimately betray you but of course, it’s all in good fun.

Anyone who’s a fan of both Minecraft and RuneScape will no doubt enjoy their time in the RPG-based server Minescape.

Inspired by one of the best free MMOs, the server features an extensive number of faithfully recreated locations, mobs, and skills from RuneScape.

While the original Minescape.net is still active, Minecraft players are welcome to join the alternate Minescape.me server, seeing as both have evolved in different ways.

If you’re looking for a dedicated server to play Pokemon in Minecraft, you’ll find no shortage of servers and communities.

Along with Complex Gaming’s Pixelmon Harmony server mentioned at the top, players can also check out PokeSaga, PokeZone, and a host of other servers that support Pixelmon Generations.

As its name suggests, Pixelmon Generations adds every Pokemon from throughout the franchise’s legacy and makes them catchable across Minecraft’s various biomes.

Similar to Minescape, Among Us Performium takes a popular game and cleverly adapts its gameplay to the Minecraft format.

Hosted on the Minecraft Performium server, this mode offers several maps based on Among Us locations such as The Skeld without requiring any additional mods or texture packs.

Players are free to host private games with friends or join a public server where they can manipulate and debate strangers while completing tasks.

Another server that pushes the limits of what’s possible in Minecraft is Zero.Minr, a parkour-themed server where players can live out their free-running dreams.

It offers a wide selection of challenging obstacle courses filled with numerous towers, paths, and gaps for players to run, climb, and jump to their heart’s content.

The server is consistently updated with new maps and maintains leaderboards along with a speedrunning tracker and point system.

Next up on our list is PirateCraft, a pirate-themed survival server where players can sail around Minecraft’s blocky seas in style.

The ships included are quite large, especially for Minecraft’s scale, and can be brought into combat using cannons against rival pirates looking to steal your booty.

While the controls for steering and navigating can be finicky at times, with some practice you’ll be sailing the open seas like a pro.

If you’re looking to take Minecraft farming even further and become a rancher, consider joining the Ranch n’ Craft server.

Here, players can roleplay as a cowboy as they hit up saloons, line dance, tame horses, and partake in other Wild West-inspired hobbies afforded by simple country living.

This includes claiming land to build your own ranch, horse-breeding stable, and farm with minimal concern for griefers as Ranch n’ Craft is well moderated.

Hypixel is one of the best Minecraft mini-game servers and includes an array of modes one would expect along with some innovative new ones.

Most mini-games are PvP-based and draw inspiration from racing games, shooters, and battle royales.

Considering the server is well-supported with fun new content and has one of the largest communities, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Another popular server that’s likely to catch your eye is Extreme Craft, a Minecraft server that boasts an exhaustive number of modes.

You have classics like Survival, Hunger Games, Factions, and Skyblock along with fun iterations like Skygrid, Skywars, Eggwars, and Acid Island.

In addition, the server features a dedicated creative mode with opportunities to roleplay as a unique avatar.

Inspired by AMC’s The Walking Dead, this next server combines PvP and PvE gameplay complete with crafting, survival, and combat mechanics.

The Mining Dead sees you fighting for your life across an enormous map comprised of notable locations from the hit TV show, including The Prison, Woodbury, and Alexandria.

Similar to games like DayZ, the world is littered with undead enemies and aggressive players who will try to invade your base and steal your gear.

The next mini-game-focused server we’re highlighting is HiveMC, which offers one of the largest and most welcoming Minecraft communities around.

Covering a wide swath of genres, HiveMC is great for modes like Hide-and-Seek, Survival, Skywars, and Eggwars among others.

Lastly, the server is constantly updated with maps, modes, and seasonal events that encourage players to check in every few weeks to see what’s new.

Boasting one of the largest Minecraft community playerbases, The Archon is a legendary server that benefits from regular updates to its many game modes.

Standouts include Factions Battles, Skyblock, Robbery, Prison, and Outlands along with many more created by the community.

Like many other servers on this list, The Archon implements regular resets to keep everyone on an even playing field and draw in new users.

Last but not least, Manacube is a staggeringly large factions server that has been around for quite some time and only continues to grow.

On it, players can explore an array of modes ranging from Skyblock and Survival to Parkour, Creative, Prison, and many more.

While it does feature a premium shop where users can purchase items using real money, it’s fairly balanced and only minimally affects gameplay.

How To Join A Minecraft Server

Once you’ve found a Minecraft server you think you might enjoy, the steps for joining are quite simple:

First, you’ll want to copy the IP address for the server before starting up the game.

Next, click on ‘Multiplayer,’ then ‘Add a server,’ and paste the IP address, making sure to select ‘Done’ before returning to your server list.

Lastly, locate the desired server in your list and hit ‘Join Server’ to start a new Minecraft adventure.