I am going to throw in some practical solutions for everyone who thinks the surface is overpowered.
Minimum Level: 40, any less and you won't survive the surface. So please just don't do it if you can't.
Buckets of Water: Water slows down mobs significantly I believe down to 1/8 of their normal movement speed regardless of any other buffs they have on. So jump into the water and watch the mobs fail to chase you.
Tunneler/Gold/Diamond Pickaxes: These pickaxes mine fast enough that if you find cobblestone just dig down and block the entrance in 3 seconds and boom you can't die. Except by hunger.
Efficient Sprinting: If you run up and down blocks the mobs will slow down EVERY time they do the same. So while running take advantage of that and don't run in a straight line on a flat plain, you will probably die a horrible death.
Torches: Mobs don't spawn in bright light, surround a building area with torches to provide you a slight buffer from mobs.
Disposable gear: A full set of soul bound gear costs 4000 in the shop, BUY IT you can die with it on and nothing will happen, and it's durable enough to last you a while if you aren't 24/7 fighting mobs. If that's too much buy some iron armor and make do.
Teamwork: Friendship is Magic
If you combine these tips then you should be able to survive the surface for a while. Remember bring food, potions, and a good pickaxe in order to maximize your odds. Even with all these tips, things can go wrong, they will go wrong, and you should learn to deal with it. And if you survive and ./sethome in a dark tunnel in the surface what opens up to you? Every single ore in the game and potential to farm the largest grinder in any colonization server that ever existed.



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