AntiGuard

AntiGuard is a Minecraft server anti-cheat plugin with an embedded dashboard and REST API. It best suits Paper and Purpur administrators running version 1.20.x who want detection and moderation controls close to their server. Its focused scope and MVP status make it a sensible starting point for a contained deployment, but a poor fit for operators who need broader version support or replay-based investigations.

Overview

AntiGuard combines cheat checks, enforcement actions, and administration tools in a plugin installed on the Minecraft server. Setup is straightforward in form: copy one JAR into the server’s plugins/ folder and restart. The tradeoff is a narrow compatibility target: the install guide specifies Paper or Purpur 1.20.x and Java 17. The maker reports local verification on Paper 1.20.4 with LuckPerms, including detection of a fly hack and persistence of its flag; that is useful evidence for this configuration, not a reason to assume wider coverage.

Key features

Checks cover Fly, Speed, Reach, KillAura, AutoClick, NoSwing, NoFall, and FastBreak. Administrators can flag, kick, or ban players, and ban status can be lifted or appealed through the REST API. That combination gives server staff routine enforcement options, but AntiGuard has no replay analysis. Teams that need replay evidence as part of investigating suspicious play should choose another tool or pair it with a separate workflow.

The embedded dashboard displays flags, bans, and kicks and lets administrators adjust detection settings live. That is useful for operators who want to review activity and tune checks without a separate dashboard service. The REST API exposes stats, flags, bans, kicks, and configuration endpoints. Write operations require a token if one is configured, so token protection for changes depends on the administrator setting it.

AntiGuard can reuse the database configured for LuckPerms and stores its records in tables prefixed antiguard_. Documented database choices include SQLite, H2, MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL; when LuckPerms storage cannot safely be reused, the plugin falls back to bundled SQLite. The maker says it needs neither an external API service nor a database server, which keeps the basic deployment self-contained. The MIT license permits use, modification, and distribution subject to its conditions.

The maker describes detection defaults as conservative and recommends changing flag thresholds or per-check tolerances if legitimate players are flagged. That is a helpful tuning path, but it also means administrators should expect to review behavior and adjust settings to suit their server rather than treating default thresholds as final.

Pricing

AntiGuard: free. The free plan is MIT-licensed software for Paper or Purpur 1.20.x with Java 17. There are no paid tiers or seat and quota limits in the plan terms. Its main constraint is compatibility rather than price: operators on other server platforms or Minecraft version ranges should look elsewhere.

Platforms

AntiGuard is available as a self-hosted Minecraft plugin for Paper and Purpur, with a web dashboard embedded in the plugin and a REST API for programmatic access. It is not a general-purpose web-hosted anti-cheat service; server operators manage it within their own Minecraft environment.

Who it's for

AntiGuard fits administrators of Paper or Purpur 1.20.x servers who want a free, self-hosted set of common checks plus dashboard and API access. Its single-JAR installation and bundled SQLite fallback suit operators who prefer not to add a separate service or database server. It is less appropriate for a server that depends on replay reviews, needs a different Minecraft version, or wants an established product beyond an MVP-stage project.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free MIT-licensed plugin combines eight named checks with flag, kick, and ban actions, giving small server teams a broad starting toolkit without a subscription.
• Pros: An embedded dashboard, REST endpoints, and support for several database options make it possible to review activity and integrate administration within a self-hosted setup.
• Cons: Requirements are limited to Paper or Purpur 1.20.x and Java 17, restricting its fit for other server platforms or versions.
• Cons: No replay analysis means staff cannot use AntiGuard itself for replay-led investigations.
• Cons: The project calls itself an MVP, and conservative defaults may still require threshold or tolerance adjustments when legitimate players are flagged.

Alternatives

For a wider set of Minecraft anti-cheat options, browse Minecraft Anti-Cheat Plugins.

MLSAC is worth comparing if a freemium option with web and Windows platforms and a free Mini model better suits your setup. Shard may appeal to operators who prioritize software it describes as fully open source and the ability to inspect checks, self-host, or contribute on GitHub. Choose Intave if its free plan’s movement and combat detection fit, while noting that the plan excludes combat automation detection, build automation detection, and priority support.

CheckHacks is another always-free, self-hosted option with optional donations and no free trial. GuardAC may suit someone seeking a free plan with API and web platforms and a free trial. MOG-ANTICHEAT is a free self-hosted alternative whose caveats include possible bugs, particularly on 1.12.2 compared with 1.8.9. Advanced Anti-Cheat is another free, self-hosted choice with a public GitHub repository. FoxAddition Anti-Cheat is a free self-hosted Minecraft plugin whose GitHub release instructions require PacketEvents 2.11.0 or newer.

Verdict

Choose AntiGuard if you run Paper or Purpur 1.20.x and want free, self-hosted cheat checks with dashboard, API, and enforcement controls in one plugin. Its main advantage is a practical, database-flexible administration toolkit without a separate service; its main reasons to look elsewhere are the narrow version target, lack of replay analysis, and MVP maturity.