Updated 24 October 2026. Numbers are read from the live ArtemisPvP server data the wiki is built from.
Factions vs SMP: which one fits you
SMP and Factions are the two most common long-term Minecraft server modes, and they feel nothing alike. On an SMP you build and live next to other players. On a factions server like ArtemisPvP at play.artemispvp.com, you build to defend, and other factions are trying to blow your base up.
Side by side
| Main goal | SMP: build, explore and play together. Factions: grow a faction and beat other factions. |
|---|---|
| PvP | SMP: often off, limited or by agreement. Factions: on in most of the world; it is the point. |
| Your base | SMP: usually safe by the rules. Factions: claimed land that can be raided with TNT. |
| Teams | SMP: loose groups of friends. Factions: a named team with ranks, allies and enemies. |
| Events | SMP: varies. Factions servers usually run timed fights such as KOTH and envoys. |
| Time needed | SMP: play at your pace. Factions: a faction that logs off for a week can come back to a crater. |
Pick SMP if
- you want to build big without anyone undoing it;
- you play mostly with a fixed group of friends;
- fights are something you choose, not something that finds you.
For what the word SMP means and its common variants, see the minigames and server modes FAQ.
Pick Factions if
- you like PvP and want it to matter - land, loot and rank depend on it;
- you enjoy planning: base design, cannons, raid timing;
- you want a reason to log in at a set time, because an event is starting.
New to the mode? The factions guide covers how a faction works from the first claim.
What factions looks like on ArtemisPvP
ArtemisPvP is built in the style of Cosmic PvP and Cosmic Reborn. A faction holds up to 30 members and 10 alts and claims land around a Core Chunk. A faction's shield stops explosions in its land 16 hours a day, so raids happen in the open hours. Dying never costs power or land - every player has a fixed 100 power. Fights centre on 4 outposts, 2 strongholds, KOTH every 6 hours and envoys every 30 minutes, and the gear behind them runs on 207 custom enchants.
If you want something closer to SMP on the same server, there is plenty that is not raiding: minigames, trial rooms, dungeons and fishing.
Can you build safely on a factions server?
Safer, not safe. On ArtemisPvP, claimed land is protected by a shield that stops explosions 16 hours a day, and land touching your Core Chunk never expires - but outside those hours a well-built base is what keeps you safe.
More server guides
ArtemisPvP is an independent server and is not affiliated with CosmicPvP, Cosmic Reborn, Mojang Studios or Microsoft.