GuardAC

GuardAC is a cloud-based Minecraft anti-cheat for server operators focused on combat cheats. It suits teams that want player-free installation and control over how alerts become punishments. Its clear strength is combat-movement detection; servers seeking broad cheat coverage should look elsewhere.

Overview

A plugin on supported servers connects to GuardAC’s cloud API using an API key. Players install nothing. In fights, the plugin sends a short set of crosshair-movement numbers rather than video, and GuardAC learns each player’s usual mouse movement to flag sharp changes during a session. This is a focused approach to combat behavior, not a general-purpose anti-cheat.

Alerts give staff a player name and score, and operators can keep punishments manual or automate them. Configurable thresholds span alert-only monitoring through strict automatic bans, giving moderation teams room to start cautiously and set enforcement to match their policy.

Key features

• Combat detection: Covers KillAura, aim assist, abnormal combat crosshair movement and sharp changes in player movement style. Replay analysis is supported.
• Configurable enforcement: Actions include alerts, logs, kicks, bans, broadcasts and console commands, with optional combat suppression. Automation can save staff intervention, but automatic bans make threshold choices consequential.
• Cloud data flow: The plugin sends movement numbers rather than video. GuardAC collects account and player identifiers, detection events, API-key and plan data, technical server and browser data, and support history. It says it does not share collected data except when legally required, for payment processing, or with user authorization. Its administration uses password hashing and access control but does not guarantee absolute security for data sent over the internet.
• Support: Support questions go through Telegram at @palasscq, a direct channel for operators to use.

Pricing

GuardAC is freemium, with a Free plan at no cost. A key is issued immediately after sign-up for the free trial, and no card is required. Paid plans can be purchased for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months using SBP or cryptocurrency, and promo codes are supported. Custom pricing applies where no fixed paid price is stated.

The free offer suits operators who want to begin without a payment commitment. Trial length, free-plan caps and paid-plan inclusions are not established here, so compare the terms directly before relying on a particular quota or paid capability.

Platforms

GuardAC is available via API and web, with its game-server plugin supporting Paper, Spigot, Purpur and Folia from Minecraft 1.16 onward. Supported servers require Java 17 or newer; Minecraft 26.1 and 26.2 require Java 25. Check the Java requirement against the server version before adopting it.

Who it's for

GuardAC is best suited to Minecraft server owners whose priority is detecting KillAura and aim assist without asking players to install software, especially teams that want to review alerts before automating punishments. It is a weaker fit for operators who need detection beyond combat behavior or who prefer to keep detection data entirely on their own infrastructure.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Players need no installation, reducing friction for a server-wide anti-cheat.
• Pro: Alert-only operation and adjustable thresholds let staff decide how quickly to move from monitoring to enforcement.
• Pro: The free plan and no-card trial provide a way to start without an upfront payment commitment.
• Con: Its stated detection focus is combat movement, so it does not serve as a catch-all cheat detector.
• Con: Player identifiers and detection events are sent into a cloud service, which may not suit operators who require server-local processing.
• Con: Java 25 is required for Minecraft 26.1 and 26.2, a compatibility requirement operators must account for.

Alternatives

Minecraft Anti-Cheat Plugins is a useful starting point for comparing plugins across the category. Consider MLSAC if you want a free Mini model and web or Windows access. AntiGuard is a free, MIT-licensed Paper/Purpur option for Minecraft 1.20.x on Java 17. CheckHacks is another free option that is always free, with donations optional and no trial. Intave may fit teams seeking movement and combat cheat detection on its free plan, which excludes combat automation detection, build automation detection and priority support. MOG-ANTICHEAT is a free self-hosted alternative. Shard may suit operators who want open-source software they can inspect, self-host or contribute to. ExploitShield is a free self-hosted option for Minecraft 1.17.x–1.21.x on Paper, Spigot or Folia, with Java 17+, PacketEvents 2.13.0+ and ProtocolLib 5.4.0+ required. FoxAddition Anti-Cheat is a free self-hosted server plugin with PacketEvents 2.11.0+ required for the GitHub release instructions.

Verdict

Choose GuardAC if your Minecraft server needs focused combat detection, no player-side installs and a path from staff alerts to automated enforcement. Look elsewhere if you need wider cheat coverage or do not want player identifiers and detection events handled through a cloud API.