Best Minecraft Server Software for Security and Anti-Cheat in 2025

Your choice of server software affects how well anti-cheat plugins work. Some servers handle packet-level detection better than others, and performance directly impacts detection accuracy.

This guide compares server software options from a security perspective.

Why Server Software Matters for Security

Anti-cheat plugins like HackedServer work by analyzing player packets and behavior. The server software you choose affects:

• Packet handling speed - Faster processing means more accurate detection
• TPS stability - Lag causes false positives in movement checks
• Plugin compatibility - Some anti-cheats need specific APIs
• Exploit fixes - Patched servers close attack vectors

Recommended: Paper

Paper is the best choice for servers running anti-cheat plugins. It provides:

Performance Benefits

Paper handles packets more efficiently than Spigot or Vanilla. This matters for anti-cheats that analyze movement and combat at the packet level.

Higher TPS means:

• Fewer false positives from lag
• More accurate reach and speed detection
• Better handling of player data

Security Patches

Paper fixes many Minecraft exploits that cheaters can abuse:

• Chunk loading exploits
• Entity tracking issues
• Book and inventory exploits
• Duplication glitches

Running Paper means fewer attack surfaces for malicious clients.

Plugin Support

Paper supports all Spigot plugins plus its own extended API. Anti-cheat plugins like HackedServer work perfectly on Paper servers.

Alternative: Purpur

Purpur is a Paper fork with additional features. For anti-cheat purposes, it performs identically to Paper.

Choose Purpur if you want extra configuration options for gameplay. For pure security focus, Paper is sufficient.

Spigot

Spigot works with most anti-cheat plugins but offers less performance than Paper. The lower TPS ceiling can lead to more false positives under load.

Use Spigot only if you have a specific compatibility requirement.

Server Setup for Anti-Cheat

When setting up your server for HackedServer or other anti-cheat plugins:

1. Download Paper

Get the latest Paper build from MCServerJars.com. Use the most recent Minecraft version for the best security patches.

2. Allocate Sufficient RAM

Anti-cheat plugins add minimal overhead, but maintaining high TPS is important:

| Players | Recommended RAM | |---------|----------------| | 1-20 | 4GB | | 20-50 | 6GB | | 50-100 | 8GB | | 100+ | 12GB+ |

3. Install Dependencies

HackedServer requires:

• ProtocolLib - For Spigot/Paper servers
• PacketEvents - For Velocity proxies

4. Configure Properly

In your Paper configuration, avoid settings that reduce security:

• Keep online-mode true unless using a proxy
• Do not disable packet checks
• Use the latest protocol version

Proxy Considerations

If you run a network with BungeeCord or Velocity:

Velocity (Recommended)

Velocity is the modern proxy choice. It is faster and more secure than BungeeCord.

HackedServer supports Velocity with the PacketEvents dependency.

BungeeCord / Waterfall

BungeeCord and Waterfall also work with HackedServer. Install the plugin on both the proxy and backend servers for full coverage.

Performance Tips

To maximize anti-cheat accuracy:

1. Maintain 19+ TPS - Use Paper's timings to identify lag sources
2. Limit view distance - 8-10 chunks is usually sufficient
3. Use async features - Paper's async chunk loading helps
4. Monitor with Spark - Profile your server regularly

Conclusion

For the best anti-cheat experience:

1. Use Paper or Purpur
2. Keep your server updated
3. Allocate enough RAM for stable TPS
4. Install HackedServer from hackedserver.org

The combination of good server software and proper anti-cheat configuration will protect your community from cheaters effectively.