GuardAC

GuardAC is a cloud anti-cheat for Minecraft servers, aimed at operators who want combat detection without asking players to install anything. Its mix of staff alerts and configurable enforcement makes it a strong fit for teams that want to tune how aggressively suspicious play is handled.

Overview

GuardAC looks for KillAura, aim assist and unusual changes in combat crosshair movement. A server plugin sends a short set of movement numbers to a cloud API rather than sending video, and the system learns each player's usual mouse movement to flag shifts during a session. This focuses its detection on combat behavior, not every kind of cheating.

Staff can review alerts with a player name and score, then decide punishments manually or configure automation. That range suits servers that want to begin with observation and tighten enforcement later; automatic bans are available, but operators should choose thresholds carefully to match their moderation policy.

Key features

• Combat detection: Covers KillAura, aim assist, abnormal combat crosshair movement and sharp changes in a player's movement style. Replay analysis is supported.
• Configurable staff response: Alerts and logs can support manual review, while configured actions include kicks, bans, broadcasts and console commands. Optional combat suppression adds another enforcement option.
• Cloud-based operation: Players install nothing. The server plugin connects to GuardAC's API with an API key, keeping the player-side setup out of the equation.

Pricing

GuardAC has a free plan at no cost, plus a free trial. A key is issued immediately after sign-up for the trial, with no card required, which makes trying the service straightforward.

Paid plans are available for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, with custom pricing. SBP and cryptocurrency are accepted, and promo codes are supported. The plan terms do not establish quotas, server-seat limits or renewal conditions, so confirm those before committing to a longer term.

Platforms

The service is listed for API and web use, with a game-server plugin for 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. That makes checking the server's Java runtime as important as checking its Minecraft version before installation.

Who it's for

GuardAC is best for Minecraft server owners who need combat-focused detection and want staff to choose between alerts, manual action and automated punishment. It is less suitable when the priority is broad cheat coverage beyond the stated combat detections, or when an operator wants an entirely self-hosted system rather than a cloud API.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Players need no client installation, reducing friction for a server's community.
• Pro: Alert-only thresholds let staff monitor detection before enabling automatic bans.
• Pro: Per-player movement learning targets changes in a player's own combat style rather than relying only on a fixed profile.
• Con: Cloud API dependence means the setup is not fully self-hosted.
• Con: The stated detection scope centers on combat behavior, so it is not a complete answer for other cheat categories.
• Con: Java 17 is the baseline, with Java 25 required for Minecraft 26.1 and 26.2, adding a compatibility check for server operators.

Alternatives

For more options, browse Minecraft Anti-Cheat Plugins.

• Choose Intave if its free offering's movement and combat cheat detection fits your needs and you do not need combat or build automation detection or priority support.
• Choose CheckHacks if an always-free, donation-supported option is the priority and you do not need a free trial.
• GK AntiCheat is another free plugin option.
• NoCheatPlus is a free Bukkit/Spigot plugin under GPL-3.0.
• ReducedX-Anti Cheat is another free, self-hosted option.
• Choose Nimbus AntiCheat if its stated Paper 1.21.8 and Java 21 requirements, PacketEvents dependency and Java-edition focus suit your server.
• VoidAC is a free option with API and self-hosted platforms.
• SentinelAC is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Choose GuardAC if you run a compatible Minecraft server and want cloud-based combat detection with a path from staff alerts to automated enforcement. Its no-player-install approach and adjustable thresholds are the clearest reasons to consider it. Look elsewhere if you need self-hosting or broader cheat coverage than combat detection.