Minecraft server list 2026 – the best Bedrock and Java servers

Minecraft is so much better with friends, but if none of your buddies want to play, fear not – you can make some by joining a server! There are hundreds – if not thousands – of public servers to choose from in Mojang’s survival game.

We’ve jumped into a whole host of Minecraft servers to find the most fun ones around, whether you’re looking for friendly roleplay or some nail-biting PvP. Safety, security, and content all need to be considered when joining in with some multiplayer fun, too, so we’ve narrowed your options down to a few safe bets. Keep reading for the best Minecraft servers right now, with their own dedicated staff, a welcoming playerbase, and strict rules.

These are best Minecraft servers to join in 2026:

Java servers

MCC Island

Server IP address: play.mccisland.net
Game modes: Minigames, Parkour

MCC, or Minecraft Championship, is a well-known event in the Minecraft community, bringing YouTubers together to compete in a series of PvP and parkour minigames.

Created by NoxCrew – the iconic makers of some of the best Minecraft maps – the competition and its world, puzzles, and games, are gloriously built. While you might not be able to participate alongside your favorite content creators in the event itself, you can join MCC Island, a multiplayer server featuring MCC minigames. And who knows, you might even bump into some YouTubers preparing for the next event.

Hypixel

Server IP address: mc.hypixel.net
Game modes: Minigames, Sky Wars, Hunger Games, Hardcore, Parkour

No Minecraft server list is complete without the most famous one of all: Hypixel. It’s still the most popular Minecraft server, undoubtedly thanks to its many game modes, including Cops and Crims, Duels, and a Murder Mystery. What’s more, their SkyWars game mode is a precarious PvP take on the classic Minecraft Skyblock server.

There’s a dazzling variety here, making the Hypixel Minecraft server a great place to laugh with your blocky pals. If you haven’t yet abandoned Minecraft for Hypixel’s own game, Hytale, this is the perfect way to support both.

Complex Gaming

Server IP address: hub.mc-complex.com
Game modes: Pixelmon, Skyblock, Factions, Prison, Hunger Games, Survival, Creative, Minigames

Complex Gaming is another popular Minecraft server with a great variety of game modes, including survival, PvP, and PvE. While the Hunger Games, Skyblock mode, and the spectacular Creative realm come highly recommended, Complex Gaming also has a version of Pixelmon, which allows you to catch and trade hundreds of voxelated Pokémon.

To enable some of these game modes, you’ll first need to install a modpack. Although this takes a little more effort, it also means that whenever you don’t feel like joining the multiplayer server, you can still play Pixelmon in solo mode.

Serenity

Server IP address: play.serenitymc.uk
Game modes: SMP

Inspired by Hermitcraft, Serenity is a small, friendly, and mostly vanilla survival server that’s in its seventh season, with an expanding shopping district featuring player-run shops that cater to all your in-game needs. Some entries on this list have many players online at a time, so if that’s overwhelming for you (or your PC isn’t strong enough to deal with lots going on at once), Serenity is a great server to check out.

Players must be whitelisted before joining, which can be easily done through the Serenity server Discord. The team is great at keeping on top of players and their behavior, too, making it a safe and friendly place – with no unwanted PvP and a strict no stealing policy.

Verdux

Server IP address: play.verdux.net
Game modes: Survival, PvP, Land Claim, Jobs, BungeeCord

Verdux is a small server that’s the perfect place to see your latest Minecraft house idea come to life alongside other like-minded crafters. Make new friends, build or buy from in-game shops to exchange resources with others, claim your own piece of land to do with what you wish, and even protect it from those around you.

Verdux includes all the freedom and relaxation of your own Minecraft world, but with the bonus of a few others milling aroound to bring the world to life. What more could you want? Time to load in and stake your claim!

Manacube

Server IP address: play.manacube.com
Game modes: Parkour, Survival, PvP, Creative, Skyblock, Factions, Prison

Manacube’s server is well-known for its excellent parkour gameplay, but that’s not all there is. For something a little different, the Islands game mode tasks you with surviving on a mostly submerged island – while staying away from the poisonous water. Or there’s Olympus, a prison-based server where you’re assigned a plot of land, ranking up as you make money, gaining access to newer, more profitable areas.

What’s more, Manacube is one of the few larger Minecraft factions servers with minimal ‘pay-to-win’ elements, thanks to its balanced shop. It’s also got a vast Minecraft Skyblock server, plus survival, Parkour, and Creative servers to get stuck into.

InsanityCraft

Server IP address: sm.insanitycraft.net
Game modes: Survival, Skyblock, Factions, SMP, Lifesteal, Prison, Crossplay, PvP, Pixelmon, Bedrock

Purportedly one of the oldest and largest Minecraft networks in the world (it’ll tell you so as soon as you log in), InsanityCraft has been running for over a decade since launching in 2012. While it offers many game modes (like parkour jump puzzles that are easily accessible from spawn), it’s most famous for Factions, Survival (SMP), and Skyblock.

It runs frequent events in all of these and has made thoughtful tweaks to enhance the fun, such as custom classes, many available commands, and even plugins. Its website has an online store selling cosmetics and in-game upgrades, and there’s even a handy Wiki to get you up to speed on how the server runs each game.

Vortex Network

Server IP address: sm.vortexnetwork.net
Game modes: Prison, Skyblock, Survival, Pixelmon

The distinctive selling point of the Vortex Network is its space theme: its users are called astronauts, and its custom maps and assets are typically set among the stars, in impressive space stations and star cruisers.

It’s a well-supported server network that regularly sees around 2,000 concurrent players. Its core game modes are Prison, Skyblock, Survival, and Pixelmon, all of which receive regular updates and unique content. Look no further if you’re after a cosmic twist and high-quality support for these game modes.

Penguin.GG

Server IP address: sm.penguin.gg
Game modes: Skyblock, Survival

Penguin.GG was launched in 2022 by Minecraft YouTuber SB737+ with a focus on delivering a quality version of the popular Skyblock game mode. Years later, it regularly sees concurrent player populations in the hundreds at any one time. Its hub world is particularly gorgeous to look at and stands out quite from a lot of other entries on this list, with its varying game modes easily accessible right from spawn.

If you like a server that’s got plenty of signs of life but doesn’t feel crowded, Penguin.GG is a great place to call home – especially with its Creative mode to get building in.

Minr

Server IP address: zero.minr.org
Game modes: Parkour, Minigames

Having launched in 2010, Minr is one of the oldest Minecraft servers around, and there’s over 15 years’ worth of content and builds to explore. Its beautifully built hub world feels like the control room of a portal to moments from throughout history, with puzzles and adventures of different difficulty levels dotted around to work your way through and test your mettle.

It’s a blast to just explore the hub world, checking out all the signs at the entrance to each activity. With so much to do, you’ll be coming back time and time again.

MineSuperior

Server IP address: hub.mcs.gg
Game modes: Survival, Skyblock, Lifesteal

MineSuperior is another well-known Minecraft server comprising a variety of gameplay styles, including survival, Towny (a land management mode that lets players protect their plot), and Skyblock. If wandering is more your thing, perhaps drop through the Nether Portal to the MineSuperior museum, which showcases loads of Minecraftian mementos from throughout the server’s history.

Over 2,500 players are allowed on the server at any one time, often peaking in the hundreds, so there’s a vibrant, active community waiting for you to join. The server receives regular updates to keep things fresh as you play, so alongside all those friends you’ll make, you’ll never feel like MineSuperior has run its course.

The Mining Dead

Server IP address: hub.miningdead.com
Game modes: Survival, Roleplay, PvP

PvP and PvE combine in The Mining Dead’s server-wide recreation of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Fight, craft, and survive on the enormous map while you fight off walkers – and other players alike. The Mining Dead’s map features key locations from the TV series with a voxelated twist, so you can explore Minecraftian versions of The Prison, Woodbury, and Alexandria.

Much of the action plays out like a Minecraft version of DayZ, with players doing whatever it takes to make it out alive. Compared to many of the more fantastical entries on this list, this is a Minecraft survival server on a whole other level. Make sure to bring your A-game.

Grand Theft Minecart

Server IP address: gtm.network
Game modes: Roleplay, Survival, PvP

Grand Theft Minecart brings two of the biggest games on PC together: Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto. Not old enough to walk into a brick-and-mortar branch and pick up a copy of Rockstar’s iconic series to let loose on Los Santos with Trevor and chums? Check out this server instead.

In GTA-like fashion, you kick off the game by being dropped off outside of an airport, with no direct goal except for your own whims. You’ll explore a server that has a small limit of 45 players, so you may find yourself feeling like you’re wandering around a ghost town if you expected more of a bustling metropolis.

But with houses to own, weapons to shoot, and pesky policemen to evade, it’s a voxelated recreation of the GTA experience that’s worth checking out.

Minewind

Server IP address: server.minewind.com
Game modes: Survival, PvP, Hardcore, Minigames

Minewind lulls you into a false sense of security right from the get-go, with the cherry trees, flower fields, and the rather pleasant Block God. Don’t be fooled. If you give this server a go, expect anything but a cozy experience.

Instead, prepare for the ultimate playground for PvP and deception. Your goal is simple: survive for as long as you can – this is still Minecraft, after all. You’ll be up against endless mobs, double-crossers, and killers who want to make sure that you do anything but stay alive. Your only reprieve is the Chill Spawn mode, which gives a pretty medieval village to wander around in for a bit of a breather. And if that’s not put you off, it’s likely that Minewind is exactly the place for you.

Minescape

Server IP address: minescape.me
Game modes: Roleplay, Survival

RuneScape fans can now experience leveling their skills to 99 in Minecraft on this meticulously built Minecraft RPG server, Minescape, designed to look and feel like one of the best MMOs. You’ll find similar music styles, icons, font, and a tutorial reminiscent of the starting experience – all of which will have you smirking at all the little details you come across.

Years of tremendous effort have culminated in a very faithful reproduction of all the locations, mobs, and skills in RuneScape. What’s more, it’s taken inspiration from both OSRS and RS3, so regardless of which version you play most, you’ll still feel right at home.

PirateCraft

Server IP address: mc.piratemc.com
Game modes: Roleplay, Survival, PvP

If you think our list of the best pirate games isn’t blocky enough, Piratecraft is for you. Sail, build, and plunder in a server dedicated to the golden age of scurvy and theft. One of the most ambitious servers we’ve played on, Piratecraft even has a fully functioning ship-to-ship combat mechanic (it’s a little clunky, but works). Ships can be built and sailed across the seas, and cannons can be mounted on the hull to blast away enemy vessels.

On land, a simple economy replicates the trade and booty of the period, and players can create their own builds on protected ‘safe zones’ to bunk and store treasures without fear of others trashing your masterpieces. But there’s no piracy without the stealing of one another’s ships, and this can be done whenever the owner isn’t aboard. So if you’re looking for a PvP Minecraft server with a twist, this is the buried treasure you seek.

Minecraft Middle-Earth

Server IP address: build.mcmiddleearth.com
Game modes: Creative, PvP, Racing, Quizzes, Tours

If ever there were a classic world that would inevitably end up immortalized in textured blocks, it was Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. Easily one of the most ambitious Minecraft builds to date, this as-yet incomplete project is primarily based on Peter Jackson’s cinematic vision of Middle-Earth, including recreations of Minas Trith, Isengard, Rohan, and more.

You can help push forward with the building of the world of men, elves, and creatures of shorter stature by applying to different jobs – so long as you follow the rules after you’re accepted. And if that’s not for you, you’re free to fly around and explore, or take part in tours, quizzes, races, and PvP.

WesterosCraft

Server IP address: mc.westeroscraft.com
Game modes: Creative

If Middle-earth is our classic fantasy Minecraft server, WesterosCraft is our modern great. From the Wall to the Red Keep at King’s Landing, WesterosCraft is a vast server with many of Game of Thrones’ landmarks recreated in astonishing detail. Most areas are built from the TV show designs, making much of this server like a trip inside HBO’s vision of the fantasy world. King’s Landing is especially awe-inspiring.

Like Minecraft Middle-Earth, it is still a work in progress, with work currently being done to Ruthermont and other locales. Should you know your Winterfell from your Dreadfort, you can join in and help prop up the next house of death and tyranny. But if your building skills don’t strike confidence, the server allows for guests to wander around and explore at their leisure.

Lovercraft

Server IP address: mj.loverfella.com
Game modes: SMP, Prison, PvE, Skyblock

Lovercraft is not quite as romantic as the name makes out – it’s actually just the SMP server started by YouTuber LoverFella. But despite a disappointing amount of Minecraft romance, it still remains one of the most popular servers around with hundreds of players online at one time. This entirely custom server uses custom mobs and other plugins, runs a unique economy, and even utilizes a bespoke rune mechanic.

So before you join, you’ll need to take a look at the server rules. But, rest assured, it’s worth the homework!

Minehut

Server IP address: mc.minehut.com
Game modes: Unlimited

Minehut isn’t a server per se, but rather a server provider that enables anyone to set up and customize their very own Minecraft server. This means you can find new servers operating any established game mode, from SMP and factions to roleplay and parkour, or pioneering entirely new ones. The IP address above will lead you to the Minehut lobby, where you can browse these many servers to find your latest flavor.

If you’ve got the itch to run your own game, Minehut operates a freemium model. The basic free server offers unlimited plugin slots – which is pretty cool – but has more restrictions elsewhere, with a max population of ten players and only 1GB of RAM to operate. It’s more of a way to experiment than anything else. If you’re serious about launching your server, you can upgrade it by purchasing one of Minehut’s payment plans. For those who might want to do so, the real advantage of the platform, or so say its providers, is visibility: they claim 250,000 users browse its lobby every month. Plenty more information is available on the Minehut website.

Bedrock servers

Mineville

Server IP address: play.inpvp.net
Game modes: Skyblock, Oneblock, High School, Prison, Dungeons

Mineville has been one of the featured Bedrock servers for quite some time now, meaning that it’s available to hop into directly through the Bedrock menu, without needing to faff with entering the server ID to enter.

With an ever-changing roster of game modes, including Oneblock mode and Earth, which lets you jump into zones for Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world to claim a little spot of your own, there’s always something fresh going on. This can be quite an overwhelming server to jump into, especially if you’ve not joined many before – there’s loads of information flung all at once that you’ll need to digest.

The Hive

Server IP address: geo.hivebedrock.network
Game modes: Minigames

Another featured server that doesn’t require you to enter an address to get in, The Hive is one of the best Minecraft Bedrock servers for those that love a minigame. There are 14 different experiences to pick from that you can hop into right from spawn, including Murder Mystery, Deathrun, and Parkour experiences that affect the game’s gravity.

What’s more, this highly engaged community keeps coming up with new minigames and maps to house them all in, too. If you’re looking for a world that you can hop into, let off some steam, and return to casually without needing to commit much, The Hive is a perfect choice.

Lifeboat Network

Server IP address: play.lbsg.net
Game modes: Creative, Survival, Minigames, Prison, PvE, PvP, Skyblock

Lifeboat Network is consistently one of the most popular Minecraft Bedrock servers around. Full to the brim with game modes like Zombie Apocalypse, the roleplay-focused Lifeboat City, and Prison mode, there’s always something to do. And with thousands of players on at any one time, you’ll always find someone to do it with, too!

So whether you rent a bike and ride around the city for a spot of sightseeing, or dive into a PvP mode and show your enemies who’s boss, Lifeboat Network has loads going on.

Crossplay servers

The Sandlot

Server IP address: server.sandlotminecraft.com
Game modes: Survival, PvP, Creative, Parkour, Skyblock, Adventure

For parents looking for a safe space for younger children, you can’t go wrong with The Sandlot. This cross-play, multi-mode, and family-friendly server was set up by a parent for this very purpose, with a series of rules and whitelisting requirements in place for better peace of mind.

Alongside the security of this server, there are all the best aspects of a thriving multiplayer experience, including an easier survival mode for younger players. There’s another mode that plays out a little more like a life sim, allowing you to peacefully spend your time in a job, earning money which you can spend at the mall. On the other side of the coin is a spectacularly hard mode, which respawns you in a random location every time you die. In The Sandlot, there really is something for everyone.

Skyblock

Server IP address: skyblock.net
Bedrock IP address: bedrock.skyblock.net
Gamemodes: Skyblock

Available as a downloadable, single-player Minecraft map or mod, Skyblock starts you on a small, floating island that’s in the biome of your choice. With only grass, a single tree, and a chest that contains a few essentials to start your life with, you’ll use the tree’s saplings to farm more wood, expand your island, and use Minecraft’s spawning mechanics to harvest food from animals. Over time, you’ll be able to travel further afield – but only if you put in the work.

You can even play with friends, invite others to your island, or visit them as you build your very own city in the sky from the ground up. And if you’re not in the mood for trying your hand at survival, how about some parkour? Right from the lobby, you’ll find a thrilling experience that takes you up into the clouds. Just don’t look down!

DonutSMP

Server IP address: donutsmp.net
Game modes: Vanilla Minecraft, Survival (SMP)

DonutSMP bills itself as a ‘hardcore’ Minecraft server, where the focus is on survival multiplayer or SMP. The goal in such servers is to become the wealthiest player on the server, but beyond this, the rules can vary widely. In DonutSMP’s hardcore case, the rules are minimal: griefing, stealing, and killing are all allowed, and just to raise the stakes, if you die, there’s a time limit before you can rejoin.

That’s not to say it’s total lawlessness, however – the website makes many stipulations to maintain a friendly community and to keep the socio-capitalist Darwinism fair, such as no hacks, abusing bugs, unfair UI advantages, and so on. Many multiplayer modes are supported, but DonutSMP earned its name for its stripped-back, vanilla Minecraft approach to the experience. If you just want to compete against others with no bells or whistles – and you back your combat skills – this is the place for you.

OPLegends

Server IP address: play.oplegends.com
Game modes: Prison, Skyblock, Roleplay

It’s no wonder OPLegends is as popular as it is when you consider that as well being a crossplay server that’s available on both Java and Bedrock editions, it also includes Prison, Skyblock gameplay, and regular game updates.

If prison servers tend to be more your thing, OPLegends is up there with the best, with uniquely themed activities to take part in. At the time of writing, you can experience prison in space, thanks to the server’s Neptune Prison map.

Advancius Network

Server IP address: mc.advancius.net
Game modes: Skyblock, Bed Wars, Prison, Survival, Tower Defense, Party Games

Advancius Network prides itself on being entirely free-to-play, despite having over 15 game modes to choose from and crossplay between Java and Bedrock editions. As such, its entirely free ranking system is based purely on skill (and not the ability to purchase rank), so this is the perfect place for you if you have a competitive streak.

This popular server can host up to 400 players in total and usually has at least 100 other players in-game at any one time. If you’re a bit nervous about joining a new server, Advancius makes it easy with regular welcoming events hosted by server staff.

BadWolfMC

Server IP address: play.badwolfmc.com
Game modes: Survival, Creative, Skyblock, Minigames, Economy

BadWolfMC is only for you if you’re over 18, I’m afraid. If you are, this is the perfect place to let loose and avoid sharing a space with kids online. When we say this is an adult server, we don’t mean like that, it’s just an inclusive community for like-minded adults to play Minecraft together – and maybe let out a few light swears. Of course, the usual server rules still apply, so it’s as safe a place as any other Minecraft server to hop into some game modes or explore some stunning community builds.

How to join a Minecraft server in Bedrock and Java

Joining a Java server

To join a Java server, grab the server address from any of the entries listed above and copy it to your clipboard. Next, follow these steps:

• Start the game, click ‘Multiplayer’, then ‘Add Server’ at the bottom right of the screen.
• Pop the IP address into the ‘Server Address’ box and name the server anything you like – it doesn’t need to match the actual name.
• Click ‘Done’ and you’ll be taken back to your server list, where you can pick the server you’ve just added.
• Hit the ‘Join Server’ button, and you’ll find yourself in a new, wonderful world of blocks and people who like said blocks.
  • Some servers will ask you to download a resource pack – otherwise known as a texture pack – after loading in. This is just a set of visual tweaks to change the block textures to something that better fits the server’s vision.

If you’d rather just start a new world with a few friends instead, check out our guide to Minecraft hosting.

Join a Bedrock server

To join a server in Bedrock, you’ll need to navigate to the Servers tab after clicking ‘Play’ on the main menu. From there, you’ll be able to join officially partnered servers simply by clicking on them on the left-hand menu and selecting the ‘Play’ button. This is the easiest method by far, but your choice will be much more limited.

In order to join a non-partnered Bedrock server, you’ll need the IP address and port ID. Read on to get set up:

• Click the ‘Add Server’ button at the top left of the screen (shown in the image above) before entering the IP and port details.
• The default Bedrock port for every server is 19132 and will be entered by default. It’ll rarely need to be changed – making joining a new world very simple.
• Click ‘Done’, and back on the Server screen, you can find your server listed under ‘Other Server’ at the bottom left.
• Select the one you want to join and press ‘Play’.

Make sure you’ve got some good Minecraft house ideas ready to go if you’re joining a creative server on this list, or kit yourself out in one of the coolest Minecraft skins to stand out from the crowd. And if you’re thinking of hosting your own server, make sure to pick one of the best Minecraft seeds to bring in more players.

Original article by Danielle Rose.