Well, they can make a SMP an rpg type.

I know it would be hard to find one, but a public, maybe whitlisted server of just a couple people, not know griefers, maybe a plugin with tpa. Thats always nice, I feel like with all the claiming plots stuff its really gotten out of hand. Also I like servers more when they dont have a fancy spawn, or maybe they do, but being able to interact with things makes it so much better.

I think frequent, fun & engaging events are the way to go personally (if we're talking vanilla w/ light plugins).
Keeps players happy, and looking forward to the next event after the current one. It generates excitement amongst the playerbase!
Things like scavenger hunts, building contests, boat races, and other such things come to my mind.

A server would probably need its own plugin developer in order to adapt to the changing needs of its player base. I've been developing a server and adding custom features to it that you can't and won't find anywhere else... Because I made them... Lol

If it isn't modded, a plugin like Slimefun would probably keep me on.

Just plain old vanilla w/ a few extra QoL datapacks tbh, all of these other servers that have things like 'Prisons', 'Towny', 'MCMMO', 'Factions' and whatnot are just really boring after a while

I think a cool idea for a server smp would be that the server owner adds a new mod every month

I have not played in about 10 years but from kind of a business style background, maybe you can make up a few lists to allow a voting on.

{example}

1: Themes

a-Mideval
b-modern

c-unbenounced

d-Egyption

2:Names

a-

b-

c-

3:Base Plugins

a-Towny

b-mcmmo

c-deadlybossmobs

d-Factions

4:ranks for chat

"you can type in color code options"



This stuff might kind of help to narrow down the answers you seek. I know its a little irrelevant to what you're asking but its where your post led my brain. I think when I hear SMP I feel their should be a lot of community objectives such as build projects, wars, maybe get a team of people on to make a little lore story to fit your server. Simple things you can do to sway the common interest and experience on the server without adding tons of mods and stuff. Don't make it a pay to win but let players vote on discord every month for a new mob or item to come into the game, or designate a team of players to constantly revamp things for holidays and special events that can also be selected and voted for by the players on the server.

In all games from Ark, to world of warcraft to many other games this is what keeps those games player base up. The same should apply to any form of Smp style server.. In my opinion!

Resourcepacks, although little mods would be neat, like Voice Proxy, and UNSCRIPTED Smps, (Although some arent scripted) There are too many that are scripted these days with no real reaction *cough*DoniBobes*cough*

texture packs or mods i think so

I've created (and sold) several successful SMP servers.

What people like is something unique.

Unique doesnt mean flashy colors and a theme.



People want something they've never seen before, and something that will be there for a while.



That's why I created two servers for my network, a Vanilla server, and a Modded server.



People who like vanilla, play on it until they get bored, then go to modded, and vice versa.



There are too many servers that do the same exact thing, but with different names, and people wonder why they have ZERO players.



I hope this helps you.



TLDR: Stop copying other people and start something unique.

Like the other person said, I think just custom content in general. Mythic Mobs and MMO items/ even the core are great plugins with a lot of customization, with MMOitems allowing detailed custom item creation in game (only allowing permitted players to create items). It's pretty cool, maybe you've heard of it before. Also if you haven't heard of this, look into the Model Engine plugin, it can take custom mobs to the next level.

But Minecraft servers definitely do better with custom content, and things that allow for cooperation/competition. Maybe you could do like Guild wars or something??

The coolest thing (IMO) Would be SMP raid bosses that show up at certain build-protected locations throughout the world, that drop exclusive loot for each player involved. Like a Kraken in a "whirlpool esque" Location in the center of the largest ocean your map has. Or a Giant Dragon that only appears in a clearly scorched field/forest. You could have them be advertised events for players to come together against a common enemy.

anyway I hope that's interesting and maybe inspires a cool idea for you lol. It's really fun to have a little community!!

Also everything said here is pretty much just my opinion, if that wasn't already obvious lol

tron lightcycle game. i've actually figured out how to do that, so if you want, I'll give you some tips.

Some things like custom mobs, compatibility, crossplay, which makes it different from other servers...
Also custom items ...
Are you a server dev?, I'm learning too...
You can contact me on discord - OJASisLive#9313