Shard

Shard is a cloud-connected Minecraft combat anti-cheat for operators running Paper or Folia servers. It suits networks that want one dashboard for several servers and are comfortable with usage quotas. The main trade-off is that stronger detection and larger networks require paid, credit-based plans.

Overview

Shard combines a server plugin with behavior analysis trained on real gameplay, aiming to identify cheaters without manual review. Its cloud dashboard consolidates statistics for every connected server, which is more useful to multi-server operators than a tool confined to one instance.

Setup is straightforward in concept: install the plugin, create a server in the dashboard, and link it with /shard connect. The default enforcement sequence kicks on the first detection and then issues temporary bans of up to 30 days. That provides an immediate policy, but administrators should decide whether those penalties match their moderation standards.

Key features

• Combat coverage: Detection covers killaura, aim assist, and triggerbot, with replay analysis available. This is a focused combat-cheat offering rather than a claim of coverage for every kind of automation.
• Model choice: Shard 1 Flash works on every plan. Shard 1 Pro is described as more accurate, but requires a paid plan and account verification. Pro therefore targets operators willing to pay for the higher-tier model rather than those simply seeking the largest check allowance.
• Credit economics: One credit pays for 100,000 checks on Pro or 400,000 on Flash. Flash stretches a quota four times further; Pro consumes credits faster in exchange for its stated accuracy advantage. When credits reach zero, checks stop and the server console reports INSUFFICIENT_CREDITS, making overage protection explicit but also creating a hard interruption.
• Administration: Statistics are centralized in the web dashboard. Optional WorldGuard region controls are documented, and storage can use SQLite, MySQL, or MariaDB. Online player counts and TPS are sent to the dashboard by default, although telemetry can be disabled in configuration.
• Open source: Shard describes the software as fully open source; users can inspect checks, self-host, or contribute on GitHub. The plugin is released under GPLv3, which matters to operators who need inspectable code and license clarity.
• Support: Email handles support, billing, and refund requests, with Telegram and a Discord community as additional channels.

Pricing

The free plan costs nothing and allows five credits per month, up to 10 online players, and one server. It includes machine-learning detection plus the dashboard and statistics, making it suitable for a small test server or low-concurrency community. Its credit and player ceilings leave little room for a growing network.

Plus costs 1,490 RUB a month and raises capacity to 160 credits, 60 players, and three servers. Pro is 2,490 RUB a month for 400 credits, 150 players, and 10 servers. Business costs 3,490 RUB a month for 800 credits, 300 players, and 25 servers. Scale is 4,990 RUB a month for 1,300 credits, 500 players, and 50 servers. Max costs 7,990 RUB a month for 2,100 credits, 800 players, and 100 servers. Every paid tier includes the same listed machine-learning detection, dashboard, and statistics; the practical differences are capacity and access to Shard 1 Pro after verification.

Enterprise uses custom pricing and adds unlimited servers, dedicated inference, a custom-trained model, and dedicated support. It is the appropriate route for organizations whose network exceeds Max or needs a model tailored to its environment. All paid plans are billed monthly at the stated RUB amounts, so operators should size credits against actual check consumption rather than player count alone.

Platforms

Shard is self-hosted at the server level with a web dashboard. The plugin requires Java 17 or newer and a Paper- or Folia-based server, with SQLite or MySQL storage supported. Operators on other server software, older Java runtimes, or a different storage requirement should look elsewhere. Licensed capacity is listed as three servers, while plan limits above define the subscription capacities.

Who it's for

Choose Shard for a Paper or Folia network that wants centralized statistics, open-source inspectability, and cloud-assisted combat detection. Free is a sensible starting point for up to 10 players and one server; Plus fits a small multi-server community; Pro through Max target progressively larger networks. Enterprise is for operators needing unlimited servers, dedicated inference, or custom training. It is a poor fit if you cannot run Java 17, need non-Paper software, or cannot tolerate checks stopping when credits are exhausted.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Central dashboard aggregates statistics across connected servers.
• Open-source GPLv3 plugin permits inspection, self-hosting, and contributions.
• Flash is available on every plan, while paid verified accounts can choose the more accurate Pro model.
• Replay analysis, WorldGuard controls, and SQLite/MySQL/MariaDB options add operational flexibility.

Cons

• Java 17+ and Paper or Folia requirements exclude other server stacks.
• Credits are finite, and detection stops completely at exhaustion.
• Pro uses four times as many checks per credit as Flash and is restricted to paid, verified accounts.
• Free capacity is limited to 10 players, one server, and five credits monthly.
• Default kicks and bans can be too aggressive without policy review.

Alternatives

Consider MLSAC if you want a freemium option with a free Mini model and web or Windows support. AntiGuard is the better choice for free MIT-licensed software on Paper or Purpur 1.20.x with Java 17. Pick CheckHacks for an always-free self-hosted and web option with donations optional. GuardAC suits readers seeking a freemium API and web service with a free tier and trial. Intave offers a free tier with movement and combat detection but no combat-automation detection or priority support. MOG-ANTICHEAT is a free self-hosted alternative where its stated bug caveats are acceptable. Advanced Anti-Cheat is a free self-hosted project distributed through a public GitHub repository. ExploitShield is free for Minecraft 1.17.x–1.21.x on Paper, Spigot, or Folia, but requires Java 17+, PacketEvents, and ProtocolLib.

For a broader shortlist, see Minecraft Anti-Cheat Plugins.

Verdict

Shard is a strong fit for Paper and Folia operators who value an open-source plugin, centralized multi-server statistics, and a choice between capacity-efficient Flash and more accurate Pro analysis. Choose it when those controls justify recurring RUB pricing and careful credit budgeting. Look elsewhere if your servers fall outside its Java and platform requirements, or if uninterrupted checking without quota management is the priority.