If survival in normal mode seems too easy for you, then try playing with the Nether Survival data pack. After installing it, you will immediately move to the lower world without the need to create a portal. Moreover, in the event of the death of a character, you will respawn in the same dimension. The datapack can be used for multiplayer by running it on the server.
How to install Nether Survival datapack
- Download the archive with datapack.
- Open the datapacks folder in your save (saves are located at .minecraft/saves).
- Copy the datapack folder there.
- Load your saved game and execute the command /reload.
- Datapack is ready to use (within the chosen save).