TL;DR
If your kid is obsessed with Minecraft, you’ve probably heard the names Grian or Mumbo Jumbo floating around your house. They are part of Hermitcraft, a private "Survival Multiplayer" (SMP) server where some of the world’s most talented creators play together. Think of it as a high-budget, improvised soap opera played out in digital blocks. It is widely considered the "gold standard" of YouTube content for kids because it’s creative, collaborative, and almost entirely "clean."
Quick Links for the Hermitcraft Starter Pack:
- Grian (YouTube) - The "Chaos" and building expert.
- Mumbo Jumbo (YouTube) - The "Redstone" (engineering) genius.
- GoodTimesWithScar (YouTube) - Incredible storytelling and "terraforming."
- Minecraft (Game) - The platform where it all happens.
Hermitcraft isn't a game you can download; it’s a community. It’s a private Minecraft server that started way back in 2012. The "Hermits" are a group of about 25-30 professional YouTubers and streamers who are invited to join.
Every year or so, they start a new "Season" (they are currently in Season 10). They all spawn into a fresh, empty world and spend the next several months building massive bases, starting complex in-game businesses, and pulling elaborate pranks on each other.
What makes it different from your average "Let's Play" video is the production value. These people aren't just playing a game; they are editors, storytellers, and digital architects. They use Minecraft as a medium to create a long-form narrative that feels like a mix between The Office and a masterclass in architecture.
If you’ve ever watched a "brain rot" YouTube video where someone is screaming at the camera for 10 minutes, Hermitcraft will feel like a breath of fresh air. Kids gravitate toward it for a few reasons:
- The Soap Opera Factor: There are "storylines." One Hermit might start a "war" over a stolen mustache, while another creates a complex postal system that actually works. It’s funny, engaging, and creates a "must-watch" episodic feel.
- Inspiration: Kids see what Grian builds and immediately want to jump into their own Minecraft world to try it out. It’s one of the few types of screen time that actively fuels offline (or off-YouTube) creativity.
- The Community: The Hermits genuinely seem to like each other. In a digital world that often rewards toxicity and "drama," Hermitcraft rewards collaboration. When a Hermit is going through a hard time in real life, the other creators often step in to help finish their in-game projects. It’s a great model for digital friendship.
Ask our chatbot about the best Minecraft YouTubers for younger kids
Each Hermit has a specific "vibe." Depending on what your kid likes to do in Minecraft, they’ll likely gravitate toward one of these creators:
Grian is often the entry point for most kids. He’s a master builder who focuses on the aesthetics of the game. He’s also the primary instigator of "shenanigans." If there’s a secret alliance or a harmless prank war, Grian is usually at the center of it. His editing is fast-paced and very kid-friendly.
If your kid is into the "engineering" side of the game, Mumbo is the guy. He specializes in "Redstone," which is basically Minecraft's version of electrical engineering. He builds walking houses, massive sorting machines, and complex traps. He’s also known for his "gentlemanly" persona and self-deprecating humor.
Scar is arguably the heart of the server. He is a phenomenal "terraformer" (making the landscape look magical) and builder. He also happens to be a wheelchair user who deals with chronic health issues, and he is incredibly open and positive about his life. His videos are wholesome, funny, and deeply inspiring.
Pearl is a "builder's builder." She joined more recently and has quickly become a fan favorite for her insane attention to detail and her "Aussie" wit. She’s a great example of a high-skill female creator in a space that used to be a bit of a "boys' club."
Etho is a legend in the Minecraft community. He’s been making videos for over a decade and is known for his calm, technical, and highly creative approach. He doesn’t use a webcam, which is a rarity these days, focusing entirely on the gameplay and his dry humor.
Recommended Ages: 7+
Hermitcraft is one of the safest corners of YouTube. The creators have an unspoken (and sometimes spoken) agreement to keep the content "family-friendly."
- Language: You will rarely, if ever, hear a swear word. Some creators might use very mild "PG" language (like "sucks" or "heck"), but many are strictly "clean."
- Violence: It’s Minecraft violence—pixelated swords and explosions. There is no gore. The "wars" on the server are almost always scripted or consensual pranks where the goal is humor, not malice.
- Commercialism: These are professional creators. They have merch (plushies, hoodies) and they occasionally have integrated sponsors (like Audible or various VPNs). It’s worth a quick chat with your kid about why their favorite YouTuber is telling them to buy a specific gaming chair.
While Hermitcraft is great, there are a couple of things to keep an eye on:
The Rabbit Hole
Because there are 20+ creators all uploading 20-40 minute videos, the amount of content is staggering. If your kid tries to follow every single Hermit, they could easily spend 10 hours a week just watching the "recap." I highly recommend following the Hermitcraft Recap channel. It’s a fan-run (but Hermit-approved) weekly summary that condenses everything into about 15 minutes. It’s a lifesaver for time management.
The "Life Series" Crossover
Occasionally, Grian hosts a spin-off series (like Third Life, Last Life, or Secret Life). These involve many of the Hermits but are played on a different server. These series are a bit more "high stakes" and involve more player-vs-player combat. They are still generally family-friendly, but the tension is higher and the "deaths" (in-game) matter more.
Parasocial Relationships
Because the Hermits are so likable and share bits of their lives, kids can feel very connected to them. This isn't inherently bad, but it’s a good opening to talk about how YouTubers are "characters" and that we don't actually know them in real life.
If you want to blow your kid's mind, ask them these questions:
- "Who is the best builder on the server right now?"
- "Has anyone started a prank war in Season 10 yet?"
- "What is Mumbo Jumbo building with Redstone this week?"
- "Is there a 'server shopping district' this season? What are they selling?"
Showing interest in the plot of Hermitcraft is like asking about the plot of their favorite book. It shows you value their interests, even if those interests involve digital blocks.
Hermitcraft is the rare "Triple Threat" of digital media: it’s educational (logic, engineering, architecture), wholesome (collaborative, clean language), and genuinely entertaining.
If your child is going to watch YouTube, this is exactly the kind of content you want them watching. It encourages them to go create something of their own rather than just passively consuming "clickbait."
Next Steps
- Watch the Recap: Sit down with your kid and watch one episode of the Hermitcraft Recap to get a feel for the current "vibe."
- Set Boundaries: Decide how many "Hermits" they are allowed to follow so that YouTube doesn't eat their entire weekend.
- Encourage Building: If they see a cool base, ask if they can try to build a "mini" version in their own Minecraft world.
Ask our chatbot for more family-friendly YouTube recommendations