GuardAC vs Nimbus AntiCheat

GuardAC is a cloud anti-cheat for Minecraft servers that looks for KillAura, aim assist, and unusual combat crosshair movement. It runs server-side, so players install nothing. During fights, the plugin sends a short set of crosshair-movement numbers to the cloud rather than video. The system learns a player's usual mouse movement and can flag changes in that style during a session. Staff receive alerts with a player name and score, and can handle punishment manually or automate it. Configurable thresholds range from alert-only operation to automatic bans. Listed enforcement actions include logs, kicks, bans, broadcasts, console commands, and optional combat suppression; replay analysis is also listed. The plugin supports Paper, Spigot, Purpur, and Folia servers running Minecraft 1.16 or newer. Supported servers require Java 17 or newer; Minecraft 26.1 and 26.2 require Java 25. The service combines a server plugin with a cloud API accessed using an API key. The free plan is listed at free, and a trial key is issued after sign-up without a card.

Nimbus AntiCheat is a free plugin for detecting cheats on Minecraft servers. Its movement prediction and packet inspection power 43 individually configurable checks across movement, combat, world, packet, and inventory categories. The checks account for conditions such as latency, server lag, movement buffs, teleports, knockback, flight toggles, and join grace. Detection and staff alerts are enabled by default; operators configure punishments before they are used. Available actions include configurable commands, kicks, temporary or permanent bans, freezes, setbacks, and cancellation of illegal actions. Staff tools include player reports, an inspection GUI, in-game check controls, violation logs, and commands for testing alerts and punishments. PacketEvents is required; PlaceholderAPI, Discord webhooks, Citizens, LiteBans, and a permissions plugin are optional integrations. Nimbus requires Java 21 and targets Paper 1.21.x; it was built and tested against Paper 1.21.8, while other 1.21.x builds are untested. It supports Java-edition players, not Bedrock or Geyser players.