SMP stands for Survival Multiplayer: a shared survival world where players gather resources, build, and progress together. It is one of the most popular ways to play Minecraft online.
What SMP means
In an SMP, everyone plays in one persistent survival world. You mine, farm, and build like in single-player, but alongside other people: trading, teaming up, and sometimes competing.
Common kinds of SMP
- Public SMP: anyone can join right away. Often adds land claims so builds cannot be griefed.
- Whitelisted SMP: you apply first, usually through Discord. Smaller and more settled communities.
- Vanilla SMP: close to the unmodified game, with few or no plugins.
- Lifesteal SMP: every kill takes a heart from the other player; lose them all and you are out until revived.
- Modded SMP: runs a modpack, so you install the same mods before joining.
How to find and join an SMP
Pick a style
Browse SMP servers or Lifesteal servers and check the tags, version, and player count.
Read the rules
SMPs rely on community rules. Check the server's website or Discord before you join.
Copy the address
Press Copy IP on the listing, then add it in Minecraft's multiplayer menu.