Crates are virtual chests of items that are opened with a key and give a random reward from a set list. It is a popular way to add variety to play: you get a key for activity, a purchase or an event, open a crate and find out what is inside. The contents and drop chances are set by the server. Crates add an element of surprise, but it is important to understand: the result is random, so a valuable reward is not guaranteed.
This page lists 147 servers with crates; each project's player count is verified by direct ping. Approaches vary: free crates for playtime and achievements, crates for an internal currency and paid ones for donation. If other in-game bonuses interest you, take a look at servers with donation and servers with free donation.
Avalon is a "vanilla+" server for players who value small communities and gameplay close to classic survival. The project is built as a platform for creativity, both for players and the administration.
Server features:
- new mobs, bosses, random events, and items
- custom dungeons and structures added beyond the standard content
- plans to expand biomes and dimensions
- administration support for player ideas and builds
- voice chat via the SimpleVoiceChat mod
Aqua-Mix is a Minecraft anarchy server running version 1.21.8, focused on PvP battles and griefing. Territories on the server are private, with paid entry.
Server features:
- anarchy mode with griefing elements
- starter kits and cases for players
- in-game economy and internal store
- pets and voice chat
- regular themed events
This server was created for a pleasant time. The creator strives to improve it and puts his heart into it. The server features a variety of plugins, including paid ones. Here everyone will find their place and people who support them! Among the plugins I can mention AuraSkills, PyroFarming, PyroFishing. To connect to the server you need to download a few mods. For any technical questions, or just to chat, the server has a Discord!
ZoneCraft is a Minecraft server built around the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and DayZ themes, offering two game modes to choose from.
Server features:
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. mode: anomalies, artifacts, hazmat suits, quests, hostile NPCs, and bosses.
- Explore the zone solo, complete quests, or join alliances and clans to fight over territory.
- DayZ mode: harsh survival among zombies and other players.
- A variety of locations and weapons, with regular content updates.
- Atmospheric music and an active community.
The server suits players who want to dive into a post-apocalyptic setting — whether through tense PvP survival or calm zone exploration.
SAINTWORLD is a Minecraft server in the griefing PvP genre with elements of open anarchy. The project combines destruction of builds, active PvP battles, and a developed in-game economy, giving players wide freedom of action.
Server features:
- Griefing mode with anarchy elements and freedom of action in the world
- BedWars mode — team battles for beds
- A PvP arena for duels and mass battles
- An auction house and resource buyer for player-to-player trading
- A battle pass with levels and rewards
- A clan system and PvE content
- Regular events and updates
Game version: Java Edition 1.7.2. No third-party launcher required to connect; a donation store with in-game privileges is available.
MexxWorld is a Java Minecraft server (version 1.21) focused on RPG and competitive gameplay. The server features the ClashQuest mode: equipment progression, combat against mobs and bosses, seasonal events with rewards, and player-created tournaments with prize pools.
Server features:
- ClashQuest RPG mode with seasons and bosses
- PvP, quests and events
- Player-organised tournaments with cash prize pools
- Economy, cases, donation shop
ASTRALIS is a cosy Java Minecraft survival server running version 1.20.4, designed for calm, long-term play with no wipes. Creative mode is disabled for all players including staff, and there is no PvP or griefing — the atmosphere encourages cooperative building and progression.
Server features:
- Custom terrain generation and resource pack
- Custom enchantments and crafting recipes
- Custom fishing mechanics
- Quests with rewards
- Job system and in-game economy
- Clans and city building
- Daily rewards and login calendar
- Decoration shop
- Seasonal events and competitions
- Pets and cases
MyDestiny is a griefing-focused Minecraft Java Edition server (version 1.21.11) with PvP, clans, and a variety of in-game events. The server updates regularly and features an extensive cosmetics system alongside seasonal activities.
Server features:
- Unique events: Ghost Anchor, Ancient Dragon, Night at the Museum, Dark Auction
- Cosmetics: projectile trails, death cries, titles, particles, kill effects, gravestones, decorations, parrot companion
- Dark Auction — marketplace for cosmetics purchasable with in-game coins or donation currency (Stars)
- Cosmetics inventory (/cosmetics inv) with item gifting to other players
- Supports Java 1.21 and 1.21.11
JEWEL WOOD is a Minecraft Java server running version 1.16.5 with the "Inferno" mode combining grief, survival and anarchy within a narrative framework.
Server features:
- Anarchy, grief and survival merged into one mode
- Bosses, abilities and custom crafting
- Battle pass, gambling, quests and events
- Jobs system and clans
TopMine is a multi-mode Java server supporting versions 1.8 through 1.21. The core experience includes survival with fair PvP and an anti-combat-logout system, as well as SkyBlock and a variety of mini-games.
Server features:
- Fair PvP with anti-combat-logout
- SkyBlock and diverse mini-games
- Infrequent wipes; purchased donor status is never revoked
- Donations provide no in-game advantage
A crate on a Minecraft server is a virtual chest from which, with a key, a random item from a pre-set list drops. The mechanic is simple: you have a key, you open a crate and get one of the rewards — from ordinary resources to rare items, currency or perks. The drop chance of each reward is set by the server's staff. In essence it is an in-game lottery with items that adds variety.
Crates are not part of vanilla Minecraft but a server mechanic on plugins. On the Spigot, Paper and Purpur cores the crate contents, drop chances and ways to get keys are configured. Important for transparency: on fair servers the list of possible rewards and approximate chances are stated openly, so a player understands what they can get. Crates are closely tied to the economy and the donation system, so they appear mainly on servers with a developed internal economy.
How crates and keys work
The crate system rests on several elements. Keys are needed to open them — they are given for playtime, achievements, voting for the server, bought for currency or donation. Crate types differ by reward value: common, rare, premium. Randomness is the main principle: the result is not guaranteed, one item drops according to the set chances. A preview on fair servers lets you see the list of possible rewards in advance. The more openly the chances and contents are shown, the fairer the crate system.
Crates and fairness: what to watch for
Crates are based on randomness, so approach them soberly. Opening a crate does not guarantee a valuable reward — you may get a rare item or an ordinary one. On fair servers the drop chances are stated openly, and valuable crates can be obtained for free, through activity. If crates are sold only for money and the chances are hidden, that is a reason to be wary. Remember: crates are entertainment and an addition to the game, not a way of mandatory spending. Opening a crate for real money is a lottery: you do not know in advance what will drop. If you are under 18, any purchases should be agreed with your parents.
How servers with crates differ from the rest
Aspect
Server with crates
Server without crates
Getting rewards
A random reward from a crate
Direct gathering and crafting
Motivation
An element of randomness and surprise
Steady progress
Source of keys
Activity, currency or donation
No keys
Who servers with crates are for
Servers with crates are for those who like an element of surprise and a random reward in the game. If you are keen to collect keys, open crates and test your luck, this mechanic adds variety to play. At the same time it is important to approach crates calmly: they are good when they complement the game rather than replace it with mandatory spending. Before choosing a server, check whether crates can be obtained for free through activity and whether the drop chances are stated openly — that is a sign of a fair project. Mind the platform: crates are configured with plugins mainly on Java Edition, so the supported platform is worth checking on the project's card.
