The beauty of Minecraft servers is they provide players with a variety of new game modes that can be played together with their friends. If you're looking for the best Minecraft servers out of the bunch, keep reading for our list.
I personally tested, played, and enjoyed each server on the list, choosing them based on their communities and unique gameplay experiences, so you know you're in good hands.
Top 10 Java and Bedrock Crossplay Minecraft Servers
Whether you love Survival, Skyblock, or even MMORPGs, you'll find a server on this list you'll be excited to play. Plus, every server on this list is available to both Java and Bedrock players, so you can play on any of them with your friends, despite which version you both own.
Havoc Games
Server Address: hub.havoc.games
Version: 1.8+
The beauty of the Havoc Games server is in its inclusion of gun-based PVE and PVP game modes. The server contains three—a military-combat-themed Warzone PVP, a zombie fighter called The Mining Dead which allows both PVE and PVP, and a crime-focused Craft Theft Auto which also has both PVE and PVP. You'll find a great shooter to play regardless of whether you want to fight with or against your friends. When you need a break, there is a fourth server that is dedicated to town-building.
Vanilly Survival 1.20.2
Server Address: mp.vanillymc.net
Version: 1.20.2
The Vanilly Survival server offers a regular, family-friendly Survival mode that includes plot-claiming to prevent griefers, lots of shops, no PVP, and a resource world to teleport to while playing. It's perfect for those who want a survival experience with others without any hassle! For those who prefer to fight for their place in the world, Vanilly also offers a Lifesteal server for Java players. PVP and griefing are both allowed, forcing you to have to fight off everyone around you to succeed.
Blaze Gaming
Server Address: mp.mc-blaze.com
Version: 1.20
What sets the Blaze Gaming server apart from the rest is their beloved Pixelmon server! For those who have not played Pixelmon before, it is essentially Pokémon in Minecraft. It requires Forge to be installed as well as a Pixelmon resource pack that is linked within the server itself. Blaze Gaming incorporates several contests into their Pixelmon server as well, including hide and seek. The server contains two additional game modes—a Greek-themed Skyblock and a customized Survival mode.
ManaCube
Server Address: buzz.manacube.com
Version: 1.8+
ManaCube is a server that has a little bit of everything, making it perfect for players who want to explore their options. Spawn itself is full of grandiose builds and mini-games from PVP areas and parkour to seasonal ones like ghost-hunting for Halloween. After exploring the Spawn hub, you can choose between nine different game modes—Creative, Survival, KitPVP, Factions, Skyblock, Islands, Parkour, Earth Town, and Olympus Prison.
Related: 9 Best Minecraft Roleplay Servers
WildWood SMP
Server Address: join.wildwoodsmp.com
Version: 1.7+
WildWood SMP is the go-to place for survival lovers! Their game modes include simple Survival, Skyblock, and Lifesteal modes. The first two are advertised as more cozy and relaxing, with many players setting up shops in Survival and players being given cow and pig spawners in Skyblock. Lifesteal is the more competitive mode, with plenty of PVP in order to keep your hearts up. Future players will be able to join the upcoming Earth SMP server, which takes place in a survival world that is a replica of Earth itself.
VentureLand RPG
Server Address: mc3.ventureland.net
Version: 1.8+
VentureLand is like an online MMORPG come to life in Minecraft. You start the game by choosing your weapon of choice, which comes with four skills that can be learned as you level up. Spend your time exploring the highly-detailed Overworld and all of its structures while fighting enemies and bosses, looting, and beating dungeons. The world has areas of increasing difficulty, so you won't find yourself bored by easy enemies as you level up. It's a unique kind of Minecraft that you won't want to miss out on!
ChillSMP
Server Address: buzz.chillsmp.org
Version: 1.7+
ChillSMP is just pure, straight-up Survival—with other players, of course. The server is considered semi-vanilla as the only additions are certain custom items, like the beginner armor and sword. The server is strictly grief-free and friendly, making it a perfect option for people who want to casually play Survival with others online. It's a great casual Survival server to start with.
Jartex Network
Java Server Address: mcslr.jartex.fun
Bedrock Server Address: bedrock.jartex.fun
Version: 1.20.2
Jartex Network is another server with plenty to offer, particularly in the realm of PVP. It's perfect for players who want to test their combat skills against other players in order to become the ultimate Minecraft gladiator. They have the usual Lifesteal and KitPVP games, but they also carry Bedwars, Factions, Prison, The Bridge, and Skywars. Of the less PVP-related game modes, they have regular Survival and Gens Tycoon, a unique mode where you focus on grinding resources using generators and the like.
Related: Best OneBlock Minecraft Servers
Foxcraft
Server Address: mp.foxcraft.net
Version: 1.8+
Foxcraft contains a total of seven playable game modes, including a unique Red vs Blue mode that is available in 1.19.2 and is somewhat minimalist. The server also contains Parkour maps, a Creative mode with plots for building on, Survival, Skyblock, Oneblock, Prison, and Kingdoms. Whether you want to survive in a challenging environment, jump 'til you drop, or start a Kingdom and go to war for world supremacy, you'll enjoy your time in Foxcraft!
DireSkies
Server Address: dire.fun:25565
Version: 1.20.2
If you're all about mining, fighting, and grinding, Direskies is for you! Grind through mining blocks in order to upgrade your sword, pickaxe, and armor. Once you've completed one stage, you can head off to the next realm to start again. There are also chat-based challenges sprinkled throughout the game, from adding missing letters to translating backward and mixed-up phrases. It's the only server of its kind on our list, and definitely worth a try.
Want more Minecraft adventures, but prefer to go at it alone? Check out our list of the Best Minecraft Adventure Maps on Pro Game Guides.
Contract Writer - Pro Gamer Guides.
I work on Minecraft articles, particularly updating articles as the game changes and grows. I do play a lot of Minecraft, but I also enjoy games like Overwatch 2, Hades, and Splatoon 3 .