MINECRAFT · PLUGIN
How to Install and Tune an Anticheat
This doc covers getting an anticheat plugin onto your server and configurating so it flags real cheaters without punishing legit players.
QUICK ANSWER
Go to Files → `plugins/` → upload the anticheat jar → restart. Then edit its config to set check sensitivity.
Fact
Anticheats need Paper, Purpur, or Spigot. They won't run on vanilla or a modpack, since those don't support plugins.
Fact
Lower sensitivity thresholds catch more cheaters, but they also raise the risk of banning legit players with a laggy connection.
Before you start
- Server needs to run Paper, Purpur, or Spigot. Vanilla can't run plugins, so anticheats won't work there.
- A modpack setup won't work either, this needs plugin support specifically.
- Any install or config change needs a restart to take effect.
Options
Plugin | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|
Vulcan | Free | Small to mid servers, easy setup |
Matrix | Free | Detailed logs, active development |
Grim | Free | Lightweight, low performance cost |
Spartan | Free/Paid | More checks, more tuning options |
NCP | Free | Older, still stable, fewer checks |
Stick to one. Two anticheats running together tends to cause conflicts and false flags.
Steps
- 1Grab the plugin jar from its official page.
- 2Go to Files →
plugins/. - 3Upload the jar there.
- 4Restart from Console.
- 5Check the console log to confirm it started up properly.
Setting check sensitivity
- 1Go to Files →
plugins/<AnticheatName>/config.yml. - 2Look for the threshold values, broken down per check like
speed,fly, orkillaura. - 3Lower thresholds catch more cheaters but risk flagging normal players. Higher thresholds are safer but let more slip through.
- 4Leave it on default at first. Only tweak after a few days of watching the logs.
- 5Save and restart.
Setting punishment actions
- 1In the same config, find the punishments or actions section.
- 2Keep it on
alertorlogwhile you're still tuning. Move tokickorbanonce the settings are dialed in.
Verify
Get a player to trigger something low risk, like a speed potion boost. Check Console or the plugin's log for a flag. No flag means the plugin isn't actually catching anything.
If it doesn't work
- Plugin won't load. You're likely on vanilla, or the server version isn't supported. Check the plugin's page for compatible versions.
- Legit players keep getting banned. Thresholds are set too aggressively, or you skipped tuning on log mode first. Loosen the thresholds and go back to log only.
- Nothing gets flagged, even obvious cheating. The config didn't save right, or the restart didn't happen after the edit. Double check both.
- Clashes with another plugin. Usually movement, elevator, or custom velocity plugins. Add that plugin to the anticheat's exemption list.
Can I run more than one anticheat at once?
No. Running two together usually causes conflicts and false flags, stick to one.
What version should I set punishments to first?
Start on alert or log mode while tuning. Only switch to kick or ban once you trust the sensitivity settings.
