If you’re running a Minecraft server or looking for a great Survival Multiplayer (SMP) experience, choosing the right plugins and servers can make all the difference. Plugins add a variety of features, from enhanced security and moderation tools to fun mechanics like mini-games and custom items. For those looking to join an existing SMP server, finding a community that fits your playstyle is key to having a memorable multiplayer experience.

In this article, we’ll explore some good Minecraft plugins for server management and gameplay, as well as good SMP servers that offer exciting and immersive experiences.

Good Minecraft Plugins for Servers

Plugins are essential for running a successful Minecraft server, especially if you want to customize the experience for your players. Here are some good plugins for Minecraft servers that cover everything from performance improvements to gameplay enhancements.

1. EssentialsX

EssentialsX is a must-have plugin for any Minecraft server. It offers a wide variety of commands and features that are vital for both server admins and players, including teleportation, setting homes, and managing economy systems. EssentialsX is one of the most popular plugins due to its ease of use and robust functionality.

Key Features:

  • Teleportation commands (e.g., /tpa, /home)
  • Server economy with virtual currencies
  • Chat formatting and management tools
  • Player nicknames and custom permissions

2. WorldEdit

For server owners who like to build, WorldEdit is an essential tool. This plugin allows players to make large-scale edits to the world in a matter of seconds. Whether you want to copy and paste structures, terraform landscapes, or simply speed up your building process, WorldEdit has everything you need.

Key Features:

  • Large-scale world editing and terrain generation
  • Copy, paste, and rotate structures easily
  • Custom commands for fast block manipulation
  • Integration with other plugins like WorldGuard

3. WorldGuard

Paired with WorldEdit, WorldGuard is a great plugin to protect your server from griefing and unauthorized modifications. You can define protected regions where players are restricted from breaking blocks or performing certain actions, making it ideal for maintaining player builds and server spawn areas.

Key Features:

  • Protection for specific regions from griefing
  • Player permissions management for different areas
  • Block and entity restrictions
  • PvP control in certain zones

4. LuckPerms

LuckPerms is a highly customizable permissions plugin that allows you to assign different roles and permissions to your players. It supports both small and large servers and integrates with a wide variety of other plugins to manage who has access to certain commands and abilities.

Key Features:

  • Easy role and permission management
  • Supports databases like MySQL for larger servers
  • Integration with popular plugins like Vault
  • Detailed logging and easy-to-use web interface

5. Dynmap

Want to bring a live, interactive map of your server to the web? Dynmap creates a real-time view of your Minecraft world that players can access via a browser. This plugin is excellent for SMP servers that want to show off their progress or help players navigate large worlds.

Key Features:

  • Real-time map viewable from any browser
  • Supports multiple layers, including terrain and player locations
  • Customizable map markers and regions
  • Zoom and pan functionality

6. mcMMO

For servers looking to enhance the survival experience, mcMMO adds RPG-style leveling to your Minecraft world. Players can level up skills like mining, fishing, and combat, unlocking special abilities and bonuses along the way. It’s a great plugin to add depth to your SMP server.

Key Features:

  • RPG-style skill leveling and abilities
  • Progress tracking for various activities like mining and fighting
  • Leaderboards and competition between players
  • Enhanced PvP and PvE elements

Good SMP Servers to Join

If you’re looking for good SMP servers, it’s important to find one that matches your style of play, whether you prefer casual survival, roleplay, or more competitive gameplay. Here are a few good SMP servers that offer a mix of exciting features, great communities, and active player bases.

1. Hermitcraft (Invite Only)

Hermitcraft is one of the most well-known and respected Minecraft SMP servers, featuring YouTubers and content creators collaborating to create massive, intricate builds. Although it’s an invite-only server, watching the Hermitcraft series can inspire anyone to get involved in their own SMP communities.

2. Dream SMP (Invite Only)

Dream SMP is another invite-only server that has gained massive popularity due to the large group of content creators involved. The server is known for its mix of survival gameplay, roleplay, and dramatic storytelling.

3. MineSuperior

MineSuperior is a public SMP server offering a wide range of features, including custom items, a balanced economy, and even modded experiences. It’s great for players looking for a polished and well-maintained SMP environment with frequent updates and active moderation.

Key Features:

  • Custom plugins for a unique SMP experience
  • Active economy system and player markets
  • Regular events and competitions
  • Strong community support

4. TheArchon

TheArchon is another public SMP server, perfect for players who want a competitive survival experience. It offers factions-based gameplay, where players can join teams and battle for resources and territory. The server also has custom plugins to enhance the survival and PvP aspects of the game.

Key Features:

  • Factions for team-based competition
  • Custom survival challenges and mini-games
  • Regular updates and active player base
  • PvP-focused gameplay for more competitive players

5. EarthMC

EarthMC is a unique SMP server that features a 1:1000 scale map of the Earth. Players can join and build nations, interact with a player-driven economy, and explore the real-world-inspired geography of the server. It’s a good fit for players who love history, politics, and geography in their Minecraft experience.

Key Features:

  • Earth map recreation with real-world locations
  • Nations and diplomacy mechanics
  • Player-driven economy with custom trading systems
  • Active and vibrant community

Conclusion

Choosing the right Minecraft plugins and joining good SMP servers can dramatically enhance your Minecraft experience. Whether you’re running your own server and need essential plugins like EssentialsX, WorldEdit, and LuckPerms, or you’re looking to join an established SMP community like MineSuperior or EarthMC, the options are endless.