How to Set Up a Minecraft SMP Server

SMP (Survival Multiplayer) is the most popular Minecraft server type. Pure survival with friends, a shared world, and freedom. Here's how to set one up right.

Server Software

Use Paper — fast, supports plugins, stays close to vanilla. For more customization, try Purpur.

Essential Plugins

Keep it simple. The best SMPs feel vanilla with quality-of-life improvements:

Must-Have:

• EssentialsX — /home, /tpa, /spawn, kits
• LuckPerms — Ranks and permissions
• CoreProtect — Block logging and grief rollback (non-negotiable)
• GriefPrevention — Golden shovel land claims

Nice to Have:

• BlueMap or Dynmap — Live web map
• DiscordSRV — Chat bridge with Discord
• Chunky — Pre-generate world chunks

Resist the urge to add 50 plugins. Simplicity is SMP's charm.

World Setup

• Pick a good seed (preview on chunkbase.com)
• Set a world border (16,000 blocks diameter is plenty)
• Pre-generate with Chunky before opening to players

Whitelist vs Public

Whitelisted: Higher quality community, less moderation. Best for friend groups. Public: Grows faster but needs more anti-grief measures.

Most successful SMPs start whitelisted and open up later.

Keeping Players Engaged

• Run community builds (nether hub, shopping district, town square)
• Consider seasons (reset every 3-4 months)
• Create a shopping district with ChestShop
• Hold events (build contests, UHC nights, treasure hunts)

Server Configuration

Key settings:

• difficulty=hard (most SMP players prefer this)
• view-distance=10, simulation-distance=6
• spawn-protection=0 (let GriefPrevention handle it)

An SMP doesn't need 100 players to be great. Focus on quality over quantity and list on ServerList.cc.