The best Minecraft servers to play and explore

The best Minecraft servers will take you from Middle Earth to a mini-game haven and beyond. Explore the most ambitious building projects you've ever laid eyes on, try your hand at a tricky parkour puzzle, or join the multiplayer fun in a game of SkyWars - made possible by the combined efforts of Minecraft's player communities. 

If you join a Minecraft server, you enter a Minecraft world created by other players, each with their own characteristics and rules. Some stand out for their faithful recreations of beloved fantasy worlds, while others offer incredibly fun minigames. With an ocean of servers to choose from, this guide to the best Minecraft servers will show you some of the most remarkable options.

How to access the best Minecraft servers

If you've found a server that you like the look of, you'll need to grab its IP address - for all the servers listed below, we've included the relevant addresses to help you out! Boot up Minecraft, open the Multiplayer menu, and then click "Add Server". Just paste the address of the server you want add into that bar, name the server, and hit done. You'll now find the server you added in your server list, so you can select it and join in to play whenever.

If you want to host your own server, there are lots of tutorials elsewhere online that will sort you out. You can easily create LAN servers for free, pay for a private third-party server, or subscribe to Minecraft Realms to get private online worlds for you and some friends. A Realms subscription is a great alterative to custom servers for console players but it is also available on PC and mobile - you get access to a whole host of Minecraft Marketplace content too, including texture packs, skins, and customized worlds.

Due to the highly modded nature and age of some of these servers, most are only available on Minecraft Java Edition. Make sure you get the right Minecraft download for your preferred server!

Hypixel

Host name: mc.hypixel.net
Java Edition only

There's a reason why Hypixel is so popular. This custom server is absolutely packed with minigames and is one of the biggest Minecraft servers out there. With thousands of active players at any one time, there's a plethora of things to do, from PvP matches like Ultra Hardcore and Bed Wars, to more peaceful variants such as Build Wars and Skyblock - Hypixel certainly has something for everyone. Don't forget to grab one of the best Minecraft skins to impress your opponents.

Pixelmon Reforged

Host name: sm.mc-complex.com
Java Edition only

The Pixelmon mod has grown into a huge phenomenon for Minecraft players, so naturally there are loads of dedicated Pixelmon servers and servers that host Pixelmon worlds as well as lots of others. The above address will take you to the popular Complex Gaming server that runs it's own Pixelmon Reforged world, but there are plenty of others out there too, so it might be worth have a peek at a few to see which one is best for you. You can even install Pixelmon Reforged. As you'd expect from a Pokemon mod, there are Gym Leaders to fight, PokeMarts to shop in, and, most importantly, lots of Pokemon to catch! It's probably as close to a Pokemon MMO we'll get and definitely worth checking out if you want to be the very best. 

Grand Theft Minecart 

Host name: org.gtm.network
Java Edition only

If one videogame behemoth modded into Minecraft wasn't enough, you can also try a Grand Theft Auto-inspired server called called Grand Theft Minecart. Don't let the fact that this is Minecraft fool you into thinking GTM hasn't got (gold-plated) teeth though. You can roam the blocky streets of MineSantos and use 35 custom weapons, pilot an array of vehicles, and even join gangs to up your criminal reputation. There's plenty to make sure Grand Theft Minecart feels like a lawless jaunt down to Los Santos.

Mineplex

Host name: us.mineplex.com
Java and Bedrock Edition

If you're after more minigame action, Mineplex has you covered with a whole suite of classic Minecraft modes and more advanced creations. While Mineplex became famous for its creativity without being too competitive, featuring mini-games such as Master Builder, Draw My Thing, Survival Games, and the Counter Strike recreation called Minestrike, the server was discontinued in 2023. Luckily, the popular variety server isn't gone forever as the re-release beta came back online in 2024, using the same IP as before.

Minecraft Middle-earth

Host name: build.mcmiddleearth.com
Java Edition only

If you're looking for a painstaking recreation of Tolkien's fantasy world masterwork, then this is definitely the Minecraft server for you. Minecraft Middle-Earth has been running since 2010 and although new building projects are always ongoing (Middle Earth is rather big, you know) you'll be able to explore many key locations from the world of Middle-Earth that were realized in Percy Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films. Think of it as a nice sightseeing trip as you wander the Shire, venture to Isengard, or delve into the depths of Moria. While exploration is perfectly fine, you can even aid with construction if you follow the rules and can prove you've got the skills. Do note that this is a build server and the map cannot be downloaded and is exclusive to this server. 

OneBlock MC

Host name (Java): play.oneblockmc.com
Host name (Bedrock): bedrock.oneblockmc.com

If you're up for an interesting survival challenge unlike anything you've encountered before, try 'One Block' mode on Minecraft's largest One Block server; OneBlock MC. Upon starting a One Block challenge, you'll find yourself on top of a single block, surrounded by nothing but empty space. Luckily, you will get the tools needed to break this block, after which it'll turn into another block, and then another, and then another - just keep breaking the One Block until you've got the materials to expand your tiny floating island and start crafting! With any luck, you will be able to build a Minecraft house before too long. Oh, and be careful; Minecraft's One Block servers tend to harbor a surprise or two...

Skyblock

Host name (Java): skyblock.net
Host name (Bedrock): bedrock.skyblock.net

If starting the game on just one block is a bit too daunting, you can also try a Minecraft Skyblock challenge. Many servers offer this game mode, but the dedicated Skyblock server is the most famous one. After choosing your preferred mode (including survival or the PvP-focused SkyWars), you can pick one of the many tiny islands to start your adventure. Don't fall off!

WesterosCraft

Host name: mc.westeroscraft.com
Java Edition only

Game of Thrones x Minecraft, anyone? If you're more of a GRR fan than a JRR one, you'll definitely want to look at the Minecraft-ified continent of Westeros as it's presented in the Game of Thrones show. WesterosCraft is another massive community construction project, much like Minecraft Middle-Earth, and features hundreds of recreations of major locations from the TV series, from the Red Keep at King's Landing to the Wall. There are always ongoing build projects on the expansive Westeros map, but there are lots of completed projects as well. You can marvel at the blocky Westeros recreation and even get involved with the ongoing construction!

Do keep in mind that joining a building team requires an application. As a spectator, you don't need to apply for anything but you do need to download some required mod packs and use the ATLauncher (instead of your regular Minecraft launcher). You'll find a bunch of step-by-step guides on the WesterosCraft website.

EarthMC

Host name: org.earthmc.net
Java Edition only

Feeling too down-to-earth for Middle Earth or Westeros Minecraft? Perhaps you should take a stroll around the globe in the Minecraft version of our planet Earth. This incredibly creative project aims to recreate the real world, complete with mountains, deserts, countries, and cities. You can even recreate your own home town if you apply to EarthMC's builder's team. Trust us, you won't get bored of this ever-expanding Minecraft server anytime soon.

The best Minecraft servers are fun to explore, but if you'd rather build your own world, don't forget to use the best Minecraft seeds.