15 Best Minecraft Faction Servers, Ranked (2023)

Filled with A-Faction

Dylan Crosbie
Dylan Crosbie - Minecraft Expert
18 Min Read

Want to have a little more freedom or roleplay in your Minecraft? Here are some of the best Minecraft Faction servers that you can join and have new experiences in. 

We checked out a lot of servers before narrowing down the list to the 15 best Minecraft servers. All servers have great uptime, a good community, and unintrusive microtransactions. 

Microtransactions are necessary to run the kitchen, but you don’t have to purchase them most of the time. A good Minecraft server needs to have maximum uptime with a healthy community of gamers contributing to the world, thankfully all of these 15 best Minecraft Servers, serve that. 

1

Stoneworks

Server Address: play.stoneworks.gg
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Previously known as Rathnir, Stoneworks MC has expanded upon its original limitations to include multiple nations and people that actively develop them. It’s probably overwhelming for some, but the server includes multiple layers of lore filled with Minecraft politics and figures that affect the in-game world.

However, with the active community and the great experience, the server contains microtransactions that are processed through a third-party website. There’s a queue before you get into the server, apparently. And the only way to bypass that is with a hefty $25 one-time pass.

While I might agree that microtransactions in this server are a bit over the top, with some pay-to-win aspects, it’s not usually the thing that will be an obstacle to you trying to have a good time. Besides, it’s one of the most active servers on this list, with masses joining in every month to build history.

TIP: If you are looking to host your very own faction server we personally recommend using ShockByte.

2

Complex Vanilla

A screenshot of the lobby of Complex Gaming
The Complex Gaming server lobby. Photo via: Rock Paper Shotgun.

Server Address: hub.mc-complex.com
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Complex Gaming is perhaps one of the more intuitive servers where you know where is where and what is what. It’s probably not a very distinguishing feature, but Complex hosts a variety of game modes. The modes range from sky block and prison, etc. To factions. However, what is a special trait is that Complex hosts about four servers, and each of them functions a little differently.

The one we’re discussing right now is Complex Vanilla, which contains vanilla factions. Complex Gaming is also one of the most active servers on the list. The server comprises a helpful and friendly staff and community. Seasonal resets of factions happen almost every two months or so.

This comes at the cost of having a huge pay-to-win component in the microtransactions. Since Complex Vanilla uses an in-game currency that isn’t diamond or gold, it’s called simply labeled money. I don’t think they have real-life value. However, you can buy them.

3

OP Blocks

A screenshot of OP Blocks' faction lobby.

Server Address: play.opblocks.com
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

OP Blocks is also one of the popular kids on this list. The server contains numerous custom in-game crafting recipes to try out. Like many on the list, although the server is primarily known for the faction mode, OP Blocks includes multiple other game modes. Prison, sky block, creative and pixelmon, to name most of them.

The discord server dedicated to the OP Blocks Network has over 20 thousand members, offers good support, and is a very populated server when the active members peak monthly. I’m currently clueless about any kind of microtransactions through a third-party store, which usually means that they stopped the store.

Factions have mini-games inside of them, taking mini a bit too literally. You can participate in these smaller peaceful faction activities like rock, paper, scissors, or perhaps do something darker. Something that requires you to get an attorney, perhaps even call a McGill. Well, at least in-game.

4

MassiveCraft

Server Address: Massivecraft.com
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Probably the oldest on this list. How do I know, you ask? The server has a ton of cohesive fandom wiki pages. I’m, of course, talking about Massivecraft. The server that always contended the right to be called the inventor of the faction mode. Well, we can’t argue with that now, but we’ll just assume it’s true since we have nothing against them.

Massivecraft developed itself into being almost a separate game inside of a game, something similar to Rathnir. The server contains a multitude of custom biomes and landscapes to be discovered. If you want to have some fun, I’d always recommend grouping your friends and joining the server for a little adventure. Massivecraft is practically one of the absolute best Minecraft faction servers.

5

Purple Prison

Purple Prison Minecraft server Banner

Server Address: purpleprison.org
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Mostly known for just its prison mode, Purple Prison has a variety of PvP modes and mini-games that you can join. Amongst the usual modes is the factions mode. While the server contains in-game currency, it feels completely worthless knowing that you can get $160m in-game currency for just $20 on the Purple Prison store.

The lesson here is that inflation is always on the move, attacking economies when they least expect it to, even if it was Minecraft. Anyways, let’s not get too carried away with inflation. The server operates and uses 1.16.4 and versions below it as the standard, effectively increasing player accessibility.

6

Viper MC

A screenshot of Viper MC's lobby

Server Address: vipermc.net
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Every time a new map sees the light, Viper MC succeeds in assembling at least 10,000 concurrent players at the time. It’s a hardcore faction server, which means that you only get to die once. Following your death, you receive what’s called a “death ban,” which prevents you from joining the server temporarily.

It’s worth mentioning that you don’t typically want to die a lot. Since, in that case, other players will find you easily raidable. That’s not something you wish for, especially in a server where the climate is particularly competitive and unforgiving. It’s also notable that Viper MC currently has over 70,000 members, with the staff offering a great deal of technical support.

7

Pika Network

A screenshot of Pika Network's lobby.

Server Address: play.pika-network.net
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: Yes

It’s no surprise that even one more Minecraft faction server is renowned for nothing other than factions. Pika Network is primarily relevant and populated because of the prevalent sky block mode. And because the server allows cracked clients to join in.

Not a lot of servers pave the path for cracked clients to join, but when they do, it’s probably a very populated server. Due to safety reasons, anyone can impersonate anyone else by just typing their name, which isn’t exactly optimal for factions.

However, since Pika Network requires a register with a password and the additional feature to link an email, it’s probably safe for you to play on the server without being anxious about having your progress stolen.

8

JartexNetwork

Server Address: jartex.fun
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: Yes

Jartex Network is also one of the most popular servers on this list. It shares some similarities with the Pika Network. For example, both were made famous for sky blocks. They feature a multitude of game modes. Both have factions. And most importantly, both are famous because they allow cracked clients to participate.

What makes Jartex Network stand out is that the developer tailors the plugins specifically for their server. Also, Jartex uses registering and password protection for each username, so you shouldn’t worry about your progress. This server, too, contains mircotransactions, and an immense pay-to-win element, so I’d advise playing just for fun. Speaking of fun, here are some fun Minecraft players to watch.

9

Lemon Cloud

A screenshot of Lemon Cloud's lobby capturing different game modes.

Server Address: play.lemoncloud.org
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Lemon Cloud is about the second or third server we mention in this list that is primarily dedicated to factions. That means that the server utilizes most of its time planning special & competitive in-game events, designing kits, etc.

The server has a sackful of features that participate in keeping each player hooked, for example, auctioning, bots, leaderboards, and hidden chests. And best of all, Lemon Cloud is being consistently updated to this day. With multiple game modes that are maintained besides the usual factions.

Furthermore, The server contains microtransactions. And a pay-to-win approach to them. But instead of money or in-game currency, generally, it’s power. Apparently, paying 100 GBP will give you the ability to fly and keep your exp even after death.

10

ManaCube

A screenshot from Manacube's animation project

Server Address: play.manacube.com
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Lemon Cloud is about the second or third server we mention in this list that is primarily dedicated to factions. That means that the server utilizes most of its time planning special & competitive in-game events, designing kits, etc.

The server has a sackful of features that participate in keeping each player hooked, for example, auctioning, bots, leaderboards, and hidden chests. And best of all, Lemon Cloud is being consistently updated to this day. With multiple game modes that are maintained besides the usual factions.

Furthermore, The server contains microtransactions. And a pay-to-win approach to them. But instead of money or in-game currency, generally, it’s power. Apparently, paying 100 GBP will give you the ability to fly and keep your exp even after death.

11

Hypixel

Hypixel logo with the background of the server's lobby

Server Address: Hypixel.net
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Ah, yes, the popular kid. Hypixel was the standard go-to choice if you had just bought Minecraft and wanted to try the multiplayer mode. With many options to choose from, Hypixel doesn’t mainly focus on one game mode. Although it is famous for sky block and bed wars, other game modes are almost always active as well. If you are into adventure, here are some epic adventure maps to try as well.

However, I would say that Hypixel contains factions, with quests, boss fights, loot boxes, and more that would give it the feeling of a medieval fantasy game. Although Hypixel contains microtransactions, it is not comparable to other servers at any level. And for these reasons, Hypixel puts up a great fight for a position within the 15 best Minecraft faction servers.

12

NeoNetwork 

Server Address: neocubest.com
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

NeoNetwork is a newly launched Minecraft server and is quickly becoming one of the best ones around. The server is owned by TheNeoCubest, a popular Minecraft YouTuber. They currently have a custom Skyblock server and are working towards launching Survival SMP soon. The server has a flourishing community and great uptime so you can always find people to enjoy Minecraft with. 

The server offers multiple modes to play in with vanilla Minecraft to Prison. You can also have PVP and PVE experiences on the server. You’ll also have access to the store that offers multiple ways to rank up and additional perks. Different modes have different stuff to purchase in the store. The prices are a little high but that is to be expected. 

13

AkumaMC

Server Address: akumamc.net
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: Yes

If you are looking for a server with great features and helpful staff, AkumaMC might be the one for you. The server is located in the United States so it’s ideal for Americans and Canadians. There won’t be a lot of lag when playing on this server. The server also has a 96.6% uptime which is impressive considering it has thousands of players online all the time. 

The server has a lot of events, competitions, and the ability to earn rewards. The folks who run the server are focused on player experiences and it shows. From farming to factions and from Capture the Flag to Build Battles, there is a lot on offer here. However, it’s one of the best-balanced prison servers for the game. 

14

Herobrine

A screenshot of Herobrine's lobby

Server Address: herobrine.org
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

Herobrine is a name associated with all things sinister, the root of all evil, at least in the early 2010s. Herobrine [the server] is one of the most powerful Minecraft faction servers to ever exist. With some people deeming it the absolute best. Me? Well, by far, it is the most grounded faction experience I have ever had. Not necessarily hyper-realistic. But not absurd either.

If I were to introduce a friend to faction servers, I would undoubtedly show them Herobrine, with its humble playstyle that doesn’t feel complicated. But If I had an absolute saying in this without the need to look at things objectively, I would choose Herobrine over any other faction server. I’d also recommend checking out games like Minecraft if you want to diversify your co-op experience.

15

EcoCityCraft 

Server Address: ecc.eco
Discord Server: Yes
Cracked Clients: No

EcoCityCraft is one of the best economy-based servers that’s been online for more than a decade. Not a lot of servers can boast about being online for 12 years and going. The gaming experience is important but so is the guarantee of progress saving, EcoCityCraft gives you both. 

You’ll be able to buy, sell, and trade anything you want and anywhere you please on this server. If you are worried about griefers, the server has anti-griefing tools to help catch trolls. They even roll back damages and let you get back to enjoying the game. Overall, EcoCityCraft is a great server to play in if you love the economy-style gameplay offered in Minecraft. 

Conclusion

It seems like there are a lot of options and a lot of challenges. Do you go for space and hunt down alien mobs, or do you go with medieval fantasy? Or do you want a grounded journey? It’s all up to you on these servers. Here are a couple of base ideas to get you going.

Also, just a note, I’ve seen a lot of dead servers today, but hopefully, the selected bunch will carry on. Now that you’ve seen what we got for the best Minecraft faction servers, what do you think of these servers? Which one of those will you be trying? Feel free to drop a comment below!

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Dylan is an avid Open World and Strategy game fan. His favorite content to cover include Minecraft and The Sims. His gaming interests along with his journalistic background, allows him to bring the best gaming content to your screens.
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