What Does SMP Stand For in Minecraft?
SMP stands for Survival Multiplayer in Minecraft. It refers to a multiplayer server or world where players play in Survival mode together — gathering resources, building, fighting mobs, and progressing through the game as a group rather than alone.
What Is an SMP Server?
An SMP server is a Minecraft server running in Survival mode with multiple players. Unlike Creative servers where everyone can fly and has infinite blocks, SMP servers require players to mine, craft, farm, and survive together. Most popular Minecraft YouTube series (like Hermitcraft and Dream SMP) are played on SMP servers.
SMP vs Other Server Types
- SMP (Survival Multiplayer): Survival mode with other players. Everyone gathers resources and builds.
- CMP (Creative Multiplayer): Creative mode with other players. Infinite resources, flying, no health.
- Anarchy SMP: Survival multiplayer with no rules — griefing and PvP are allowed.
- Modded SMP: Survival multiplayer with modpacks installed for extra content.
How to Join or Start an SMP
You can join public SMP servers by entering their IP address in the Minecraft multiplayer menu. To start your own SMP:
- Download the Minecraft server software from minecraft.net.
- Port forward your router so friends can connect.
- Set the server gamemode to Survival in server.properties.
- Share your public IP address with friends.
- Optionally allocate more RAM if you expect many players.
Famous Minecraft SMPs
Some of the most well-known SMPs include Hermitcraft (a long-running whitelisted server of content creators), Dream SMP (a roleplay-focused server), and LifeSteal SMP (a PvP-focused server where you steal hearts from other players).
History of SMP in Minecraft
Survival multiplayer has been part of Minecraft since the alpha days, when Notch first added server support. Early SMP servers were simple: a few friends sharing a world with basic protections. Over the years, the SMP scene evolved into organized communities with plugins like Essentials, WorldGuard, and grief prevention tools. Content creators on YouTube and Twitch popularized the format further, with servers like Hermitcraft and Dream SMP attracting millions of viewers.
Types of SMP Servers
- Vanilla SMP — No mods or plugins, just the base game with multiple players.
- Semi-vanilla SMP — Uses quality-of-life plugins like chest locking and teleport commands but no gameplay-changing mods.
- Modded SMP — Runs mod loaders like Forge or Fabric with custom content packs.
- Hardcore SMP — Permanent death rules; if you die, you are banned until the next season.
How to Start Your Own SMP
The easiest way to host an SMP is through a free server host like Aternos or by renting a dedicated server from providers like Apex Hosting or Shockbyte. For small groups of two to five players, you can also port forward your own machine and run the official Minecraft server JAR. Choose your difficulty, set a world seed, and share the IP address with your friends. Most SMPs benefit from a few basic rules about griefing, base distances, and resource sharing to keep the community healthy.
Popular SMP Communities
Several SMP servers have gained massive audiences through content creation. Hermitcraft features long-running seasons where skilled builders and redstone engineers collaborate on massive projects. The Life Series by Grian introduces unique survival mechanics that change each season. Many smaller communities run private SMPs with friends using hosting services like Aternos, which provides free server hosting with limited resources, or paid options like Bisect Hosting that offer better performance and mod support.
Joining a public SMP requires finding a server through community forums, Reddit communities like r/MinecraftBuddies, or Discord servers dedicated to Minecraft multiplayer. Always read the server rules before joining and respect established builds.
FAQ
SMP stands for Survival Multiplayer — a game mode where multiple players survive and build together on a shared server.
Open Minecraft, go to Multiplayer, click Add Server, enter the server IP address, and click Join Server.
SMP servers are played in Survival mode with resource gathering and combat. Creative servers give players unlimited resources and flight.
No. Bedrock Edition also supports multiplayer survival through Realms, dedicated servers, and local network play.
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