AntiGuard

Overview

AntiGuard is a Minecraft server plugin that detects cheating and gives administrators tools to review activity and manage enforcement. It suits Paper and Purpur operators who want checks, moderation actions and configuration on their own server. Its focused 1.20.x support and MVP status make it a better fit for a carefully scoped deployment than a server seeking broad version coverage.

Key features

Checks cover Fly, Speed, Reach, KillAura, AutoClick, NoSwing, NoFall and FastBreak, with flag, kick and ban actions. Administrators can lift or appeal ban status through the REST API. There is no replay analysis, so teams that rely on replay evidence to investigate incidents should look elsewhere or use a separate workflow.

The embedded dashboard shows flags, bans and kicks, and supports live changes to detection settings. The REST API provides stats, flags, bans, kicks and configuration endpoints; write operations require an API token if one is configured. That gives server operators a way to manage data programmatically, while token-based protection for writes depends on setting the token.

AntiGuard can reuse the database configured for LuckPerms and keeps its own records in tables prefixed antiguard_. Documented options include SQLite, H2, MySQL, MariaDB and PostgreSQL; when LuckPerms storage cannot safely be reused, it falls back to bundled SQLite. The maker says no external API service or database server is needed, which makes the plugin less dependent on separate infrastructure.

Installation is a single JAR copied into the server's plugins/ folder, followed by a restart. The guide targets Paper or Purpur 1.20.x and Java 17; the maker reports local testing on Paper 1.20.4 with LuckPerms and SQLite, including detection of a fly hack and persistence of its flag. Detection defaults are described as conservative. If legitimate players are flagged, the maker recommends tuning thresholds or per-check tolerances, so operators should expect to review settings against their server's play patterns. The README calls AntiGuard an MVP and says it is hosted on GitHub, a meaningful caveat for operators evaluating maturity.

Pricing

AntiGuard costs nothing. The plan includes MIT-licensed software for Paper or Purpur 1.20.x and Java 17. The MIT license permits use, modification and distribution subject to its conditions. There are no paid tiers or plan-based quotas to weigh here; the practical constraint is compatibility with the stated server versions and runtime.

Platforms

AntiGuard is self-hosted on Paper and Purpur servers, with a web dashboard and REST API. It supports Minecraft 1.20.x, with 1.20.4 reported as tested. It is not a general-purpose desktop anti-cheat client.

Who it's for

Choose AntiGuard if you administer a Paper or Purpur 1.20.x server, want a free plugin with a defined set of checks and enforcement actions, and prefer to keep moderation data and configuration within your server setup. It is less suited to operators on other Minecraft versions, those who need replay analysis, or teams that want a more mature project than an MVP.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A free, MIT-licensed plugin offers detection, flags, kicks and bans in one server-side package, with no external API service or database server required.
• Pros: A dashboard, REST API and LuckPerms database reuse support both manual administration and integration with server tooling.
• Cons: The install guide is limited to Paper or Purpur 1.20.x and Java 17, narrowing its fit for servers on other versions or runtimes.
• Cons: No replay analysis is available, and the MVP designation warrants caution for operators who prioritize project maturity.
• Cons: Conservative defaults may still flag legitimate players, making threshold or per-check tuning part of administration.

Alternatives

For a broader browse, see Minecraft Anti-Cheat Plugins. Among individual options, MLSAC is worth considering if a freemium option with a Windows platform and a free Mini model better matches your setup. CheckHacks is another free, self-hosted and web option, with donations optional. GuardAC offers a freemium plan with a free tier and trial.

Intave suits readers considering a free EUR plan with movement and combat cheat detection, but no combat automation or build automation detection and no priority support. Shard may appeal if open-source software that users can inspect, self-host or contribute to is the priority; its free plan provides 5 credits per month. GK AntiCheat is a free self-hosted plugin option. GuardianAC is another free, open-source self-hosted choice, with a Paper and Minecraft 1.18 plan. Nimbus AntiCheat may be a better fit for operators seeking a free self-hosted option with 43 checks, Paper 1.21.8 support, per-check punishments, player reports, staff inspection tools and Discord webhook notifications.

Verdict

AntiGuard is a sensible free starting point for administrators running Paper or Purpur 1.20.x who want server-side checks, moderation actions, a dashboard and API without a separate database service. Its version scope, lack of replay analysis and MVP status are the reasons to choose another tool when compatibility, investigation workflow or maturity matters more.