You can play Minecraft in various ways. While the game’s main menu pitches single-player as its number one feature, multiplayer survival mode is arguably the more popular approach. Survival multiplayer allows you to play Minecraft with a group of friends — and everything is better with friends.
However, while looking for Minecraft servers to play on, you may come across the term SMP. This guide will break down SMP and what it means in terms of Minecraft, as well as all of the term’s different uses.
What Does SMP Mean In Minecraft?
SMP in Minecraft stands for survival multiplayer. This is arguably the “purest” take on Minecraft’s gameplay mechanics, as it involves playing the game like normal. There is no creative mode. There is no adventure mode. It’s just survival mode.
Joining a survival multiplayer server involves gathering resources and building a base, much like the game’s single-player iteration.
However, it’s a little more fun with other players, as you can choose to build your own villages, take down the ender dragon, go spelunking, or battle with one another. The possibilities are endless when it comes to collaboration, and some SMP servers can handle hundreds of players.
Overall, SMP means survival multiplayer. Don’t expect Minecraft’s creative game mode when joining an SMP server.
What Does An SMP Minecraft Server Entail?
When it comes to the gameplay experience, some SMP servers implement mods and mini-games, among all sorts of other additions.
For example, some of the biggest server owners have RPG gameplay mechanics built into their worlds. This means that mining, woodcutting, and other mechanics that you engage with in regular Minecraft have levels and experience points. If you get your mining level up, you unlock additional abilities like faster mining or a wider area of effect when mining.
Others have factions installed, meaning you can join a group of players to make your mark on the world. However, you’ll eventually have to battle other factions for superiority, adding a sort of tension to the typical Minecraft experience.
Why Would I Join A Survival Multiplayer Server?
There are a few reasons to join a survival multiplayer server. It all depends on what you’re looking for from a Minecraft experience.
New friends
As mentioned, SMP servers hold anywhere from a dozen to hundreds — if not thousands — of players at any given time. If you’re looking for new friends, SMP servers are the place to do it.
Joining a faction all but requires you to interact with other players, and you’re bound to make a friend or two during the experience. Plus, you can choose to stick with text chat if you’re not comfortable chatting over voice. Just remember to stay safe.
Experience new mechanics
A Minecraft server is at the behest of its server owners. While some server owners might simply ask that you band together and take down the ender dragon, others may implement new currency systems, different playstyles, and overhauled loot distribution mechanics.
If you’re getting bored while playing in your Minecraft vanilla world, try joining an SMP server. Servers present all sorts of new possibilities — to the point that you might not even recognize Minecraft while playing on one.
To show off your building skills
Do you love to build extravagant structures with insane detail? Have you ever wanted to show those designs off? An SMP server might be for you.
Some SMP servers hold building competitions where you’re provided a set of resources, a prompt, and an empty chunk. From here, you’re tasked with creating something special that fits the criteria. May the best builder win.
How Do I Join An SMP Server?
While Dream SMP, named after the popular YouTuber, is one of the most popular Minecraft SMP servers, there are tons of other ones out there.
The easiest way to join a Minecraft SMP server is by heading to a website like Minecraft-mp.com and browsing its list of SMP servers. Let’s go over the steps really quickly.
Note: This process is for Java Edition.
1. Navigate to the website
Head to Minecraft-mp.com. You’ll see a list of servers with players, mods, and other features.
2. Examine server details
Server owners provide all sorts of details for their Minecraft servers. Click through a few and see which ones have the mods and other experiences you’d like.
3. Copy the Minecraft server address
Once you’ve chosen a server, copy the Minecraft server address. Then, open Minecraft.
4. Click Multiplayer
With Minecraft open, select Multiplayer.
5. Select Add Server
Select Add Server at the bottom right of the page.
6. Paste the server address
Paste the Minecraft server address in the Server Address box. Feel free to name the server if you’d like. Then, click Done.
7. Join the server
Double-click the server to join it!
Keep in mind that some Minecraft SMP servers require you to download mods or resource packs. Make sure you’re okay with downloading third-party software before agreeing to anything.
Note: Some Minecraft servers have allowlists or require a sign-up process before you can join them. Please read the SMP server sign-up instructions before trying to enter.
Can I Make My Own Minecraft Server?
If you’re trying to create your own Minecraft server, we’ve got the solution for you.
NameHero offers various Minecraft server tiers for hosting multiple players at a time. We have starting packages for up to eight players, but our higher-tier packages support up to 32 friends at once. All tiers include DDOS protection, comprehensive backups, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you want to start your own Minecraft server, check out one of our packages today.
Come Hang Or Give NameHero Game Servers A Try!
NameHero specializes in delivering some of the very best in gaming server tech without breaking the bank. DDR4-3200 RAM, NVMe storage, AMD EPYC CPU’s and more come with every Minecraft server!
Already have a server? That’s okay, come hang out with us on Discord!
Max is a freelance writer with a love for gaming and technology. He’s always looking for the next big game to play and tinkers with tech in his remaining free time.
Leave a Reply