What Is an SMP in Minecraft?

SMP is survival multiplayer, and the label has stretched to cover everything from strict semi-vanilla worlds to lifesteal and anarchy.

The word tells you almost nothing on its own, which is why the entries on our list say what they actually are instead.

1 server on our list

What is a Minecraft SMP? SMP means survival multiplayer. In practice the label now covers four very different genres that share an acronym.
Your first week on a new SMP A checklist that gets you established without losing your first base, in the order that actually matters.
SMP glossary Every SMP term you will meet in chat, defined in one line.
Lifesteal SMP mechanics explained Hearts as a transferable resource, elimination when you run out, and revival as the economy that grows around it.

Top 10 Best Minecraft SMP Servers 2026, Ranked and Reviewed The ten best Minecraft SMP servers of 2026: lifesteal, anarchy, earth and towny, with live player counts, join IPs and Bedrock support.
How to Choose a Minecraft SMP Server You Will Still Be On in a Month Pick an SMP by genre, season timing, claim rules, moderation and a real player count. Five checks that decide if a server survives your first month.
Lifesteal, Anarchy and Earth SMP: Which Minecraft SMP Type Fits You The four SMP genres explained: what lifesteal, anarchy, earth and towny survival each do to your first week, and who each one is actually for.