GuardAC

The full write-up

GuardAC is a cloud anti-cheat for Minecraft servers that concentrates on combat behavior such as KillAura and aim assist. It suits operators who want server-side detection, player-specific movement analysis and a choice between moderator review and automated punishment. The focused scope is useful for combat cheating, but servers seeking broad protection will need to look beyond it. Overview GuardAC combines a Minecraft plugin with a cloud API. During fights, the plugin transmits a short set of crosshair-movement numbers rather than video, and the service learns how each player normally moves the mouse. A sharp change in that style can trigger a detection. This approach gives staff behavioral evidence without requiring a client mod, while keeping the product’s coverage centered on combat rather than every category of exploit. Staff alerts show the player name and a score, with logs for follow-up. Moderators can handle each case themselves or configure actions that range from kicks to bans, including broadcasts and console commands. Thresholds can be set from alert-only monitoring to strict automatic bans, so a server can begin cautiously and increase enforcement once its moderation policy is clear. Key features Combat-focused detection: GuardAC targets KillAura, aim assist, abnormal combat crosshair movement and abrupt changes in a player’s movement style. Replay analysis is supported, giving staff another way to review suspicious encounters. The trade-off is its deliberately narrow remit: this is not presented as a complete anti-cheat for movement, exploits or every form of unfair play. No player installation: Detection runs through the server plugin and cloud service, so players install nothing. That removes client rollout and compatibility work for a community, while making the server’s plugin and API connection central to operation. Configurable enforcement: Alerts and logs support manual decisions; automation can issue kicks, bans, broadcasts and console commands, with optional combat suppression. Alert-only mode is the safer starting point for communities that want to assess scores before allowing automatic bans. Session personalization: The service compares current mouse movement with a player’s established pattern, rather than relying only on a fixed rule. This can help identify sudden style changes, but administrators still need thresholds that fit their server and tolerance for false positives. Pricing GuardAC uses a freemium model. The Free plan costs nothing and includes the service’s server plugin and cloud API access. A key is issued immediately after sign-up for the free trial, and no payment card is required, making it practical to evaluate without an upfront commitment. Paid plans have custom pricing and can be purchased for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. SBP and cryptocurrency are accepted, and promo codes are supported. The published plan information does not establish different quotas or seats, so the main confirmed distinction is the choice between free access and paid terms of varying duration. Operators should confirm commercial terms before budgeting for a larger network. Platforms The management service is available through an API and web interface. The plugin supports Paper, Spigot, Purpur and Folia servers running Minecraft 1.16 and newer. Supported servers require Java 17 or newer; Minecraft 26.1 and 26.2 require Java 25. Because the service is server-side, players do not need a supported client platform or additional installation. Who it's for GuardAC is best for Minecraft communities that primarily need combat-cheat signals and want moderators to control the response. It is especially suitable for teams that prefer cloud analysis, want to avoid client downloads and may eventually automate routine punishments. Servers that require a wide anti-cheat feature set, self-hosted processing or extensive published plan limits should consider another tool instead. Pros and cons Pros Player-free deployment: Server-side and cloud operation avoids asking every player to install a client component. Graduated moderation: Scores, logs and thresholds support observation, manual action or automatic enforcement. Focused signal: Crosshair-movement analysis and per-player baselines directly address KillAura and aim assist. Low-risk entry: The free plan, immediate trial key and no-card sign-up make initial evaluation accessible. Cons Limited scope: The documented detection focus is combat behavior, not a comprehensive catalogue of cheats. Cloud dependency: Detection relies on the plugin reaching GuardAC’s API rather than running entirely on the server. Careful tuning required: Strict automatic bans can be configured, so poorly chosen thresholds could make moderation too aggressive. Data considerations: The service collects account, technical, player and detection information. It says sharing is limited to legal requirements, payment processing or user authorization, and notes that internet-transmitted data cannot be guaranteed absolutely secure. Alternatives Choose Minecraft anti-cheat plugins when you want to compare a broader directory of server anti-cheat options. MLSAC is a freemium web and Windows option with a free Beginner plan that includes the Mini model. AntiGuard is free, MIT-licensed and supports API, self-hosted and web deployment for Paper/Purpur 1.20.x on Java 17. CheckHacks is an always-free self-hosted and web tool with optional donations and no free trial. MOG-ANTICHEAT is a free self-hosted option; bugs may exist, with 1.12.2 potentially less reliable than 1.8.9. Advanced Anti-Cheat is a free self-hosted project on a public GitHub repository maintained by Miguel S. Pinheiro. VelocityGuard is a free MIT-licensed Minecraft Paper plugin for API and self-hosted use. ExploitShield is free self-hosted software for Minecraft 1.17.x–1.21.x on Paper, Spigot or Folia, requiring Java 17+, PacketEvents 2.13.0+ and ProtocolLib 5.4.0+. FoxAddition Anti-Cheat is a free self-hosted Minecraft plugin whose GitHub release instructions require PacketEvents 2.11.0+. Verdict Choose GuardAC if your Minecraft server wants cloud-assisted combat detection without a player install and needs a measured path from staff alerts to automated action. Its main reason to look elsewhere is the focused coverage: communities wanting self-hosting or protection beyond KillAura, aim assist and related crosshair behavior will be better served by a broader alternative.